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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



THE EPWORTH RECTORY. 




THE EPWORTH MEMORIAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND, O. 



Four Wonderful Years 



A Sketch of the Origin, Growth, 
and Working Plans of the 
Epworth League 



By JOSEPH F. BERRY, D.D. 

Editor of" The Epworth Herald" 



WITH AN INTRODUCTION 

BY THE REV. WILLIAM INGRAHAM HAVEN, M.A. 





NEW YORK: HUNT & EATON 
CINCINNATI : CRANSTON & CURTS 



i 



THE LIBRARY 
OF CONGRESS 

WASHINGTON 



Copyright, 1893, by 
HUNT & EATON 

New York. 



Electrotyped, printed, and bound by 
HUNT & EATON, • 
150 Fifth Avenue, New York. 



PREFATORY NOTE. 



During the past year or two there has been an eager demand 
for reliable information touching the origin and growth of the Ep- 
worth League. Many letters have been received requesting us to 
supply the important data. The impracticability of writing the in- 
formation for each applicant suggested the idea of preparing the 
material in our possession for general distribution. 

This little volume does not assume to be a history. It is too early 
for that. A comprehensive review of the Epworth League move- 
ment will be written some day, and the matter which we have 
gathered in the following pages will be of value to our future his- 
torian. We have aimed to tell the story of the organization and de- 
velopment of our League in the simplest possible manner, and to 
present only such facts as will be of practical use to our young people. 

The chapter , on "Incidents and Impressions of the Cleveland 
Conference," written by representatives of the five original societies, 
will be found particularly interesting. 

The first four years of the Epworth League have been very 
blessed. But we are only starting. More glorious times are just 
ahead. May every one who reads these chapters resolve to do his 
very best to help the cause which is doing so much for Christ and 
his Church ! . J. F. B. 

Chicago, May 15, 1893. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. page 
Methodism and her Young People i 

CHAPTER II. 

The Five Original Societies 8 

CHAPTER III. 
The Birth of the Epworth League 28 

CHAPTER IV. 

Incidents and Impressions of the Cleveland Conference. 42 
CHAPTER V. 

The First Meeting of the Board of Control 62 

CHAPTER VI. 

Starting " The Epworth Herald " 71 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Second and Third Meetings of the Board of Con- 
trol 77 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The League in the General Conference 84 



vi CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IX. page 
The League at Work 96 

CHAPTER X. 

Epworth League Extension 108 

CHAPTER XI. 

Some Happy Results 116 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



FACING PAGE 

The Epworth Rectory i 

The Epworth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, 

Cleveland, O i 

Representatives of the Young People's Methodist Alli- 
ance 8 

Representatives of the Oxford League 12 

Representatives of the Young People's Christian 

League 16 

Representatives of the Methodist Young People's 

Union 21 

Representatives of the North Ohio Conference Meth- 
odist Episcopal Alliance 25 

Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Cleveland, O. . . 28 
Facsimile of First Page of First Issue of " The Epworth 

Herald " 74 

Some League Leaders. 84 

Facsimile of the Charter of the Epworth League of 

the Methodist Episcopal Church 96 



INTRODUCTION. 



" Four Wonderful Years." Who can fail to be interested in this 
volume ? It has about it all the fascination that belongs to the story 
of origins. One never tires of Genesis, as one never wearies of the 
spring. Dull as the heart may be through the stress and storm of 
winter, it leaps when it sees the first bluebird, with his " earth tinge " 
and " sky tint ; " it cannot help it. There is a revelation in the 
sight of the presence of Him of whom Jesus says, " My Father work- 
eth hitherto." The melody that comes from the throat of the song- 
sparrow choir calls for reverence and an attentive ear to a higher 
message as truly as the voice from out the bush the Midianite saw 
aflame with God. It is the message of the Divine nearness, the 
Divine interest. Of course God is with us in the fuller, ampler 
labors and experiences of the riper periods of life, but he does not 
impress upon the mind his presence as in the first movements when 
the earth warms, the trees bud and blossom, the ponds quiver with 
their first visitants, and the woods are vocal. 

We are as near God in the days of the prophets as in the days of 
Abraham, but we feel his touch more vividly in the ever-charming 
tales of the first household ; the first hunter ; Methuselah, of many 
years ; Abraham, God's friend ; Jacob ; and Joseph, with his lively 
vestment. The child, the youth, the man, feels here in these stones 
of beginnings the thrill of the supernatural. 

So, in our Epworth movement, the days at Cleveland will be ever 
memorable to the youth of the Methodism of America and the lands 
where the missionaries of the Church in America have gone, because 
there God drew near to the consciousness of his servants and said to 



viii 



INTRODUCTION. 



them, not " Separate me," but "Unite me the young forces of the 
Church, that I may use them to hasten the upbuilding of my king- 
dom." Interesting as these pages will be from the mere human 
phases of the story, they have their vital interest in the fact that our 
honored editor and those that assist him here record a fresh manifes- 
tation of the Spirit's influence, working out the divine plans for the 
world's salvation. How wonderfully, under the Spirit's guidance, 
these four years of unification and organization have gone on ! What 
the future is to be He alone knows who holds the keys of the future. 
It simply behooves us to watch, that, having begun in the Spirit, we 
may never attempt to be "made perfect by the flesh," but rather 
mind "the things of the Spirit." Then shall we be the "sons of 
God." And in this present age, with its imperial problems and 
possibilities, what is more needed than a well-disciplined host of the 
sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty? 

May this volume help to make the Epworth League such a host ! 

William Ingraham Haven. 

Overmarsh, Easter^ 1893. 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER I. 
METHODISM AND HER YOUNG PEOPLE. 

The Epworth League is the young people's society 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is just four 
years old. Four wonderful years they have been. No 
young people's religious organization has ever enjoyed 
a more rapid and symmetrical growth. It has caused 
universal amazement and almost universal congratula- 
tion. Think of it ! There are now in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church ten thousand senior and two thou- 
sand junior chapters. This includes organizations in 
all parts of our own country and in Mexico, Brazil, Ar- 
gentine, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Bulgaria, 
India, China, Japan, and other lands where our Church 
has planted missions. The membership is already more 
than six hundred thousand. Besides this, the Epworth 
League has taken firm root in the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, South, and in the Methodist Church of Canada. 
In England, too, the movement has been introduced, 
and is already received with marked favor. The pres- 
ent rate of growth is rapid. Everywhere the League is 
winning golden opinions even from those who were 
at first skeptical about its utility and permanency. 



2 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



Enthusiasm over the success of the Epworth League 
has not been confined to the young people. Senior 
leaders in all departments of our church life have 
warmly approved. The bishops, without exception, 
have said, " God speed the League ! " Our college and 
university authorities, recognizing the movement as a 
potent agency for stimulating the intellectual activity 
of the young, have gladly given their indorsement. The 
editors of our church papers have written columns of 
encouragement and inspiration. Presiding elders have 
welcomed the League to their districts and promptly 
set its machinery in motion. Literal thousands of our 
most alert and successful pastors have helped the cause 
forward by their prayers, counsel, and enthusiastic ad- 
vocacy, and have never been quite so happy as when 
marching in the vanguard of the Epworth procession. 
Our senior friends mingle with us at our conventions, 
participate in our discussions, speak from our platforms, 
bow at our altars of consecration, unite with us in our 
songs of gladness, and plan with our leaders for the 
extension of the work. The cordial expressions of Dis- 
trict and Annual Conferences, and the decisive action 
of the General Conference in giving the League a place 
beside the other great connectional organizations of the 
Church, have reflected in a more formal way the friendly 
sentiment of the entire denomination. 

But it must not be supposed that this Epworth League 
movement is the initial effort of Methodism to promote 
the social, intellectual, and spiritual culture .of her 
young people. During all the years of her eventful 
history individual churches have sustained societies for 
the special benefit of their younger members. In recent 



METHODISM AND HER YOUNG PEOPLE. 3 



years these organizations had multiplied until, in the 
larger churches, they had become quite common. Many 
of the distinguishing features of these local societies 
were retained in the more general organizations, which 
in turn have been inherited by the Epworth League. 

The first movement to provide a uniform organization 
dates back to the year 1872. Some time previous to 
that date there had been organized by Rev. Dr. T. B. 
Neely, in the Fifty-first Street Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Philadelphia, a Church Lyceum, the chief ob- 
ject of which was to encourage the systematic reading of 
approved books. Several similar lyceums were formed 
in neighboring churches, and soon it was thought best, 
for purposes of mutual cooperation, to unite these in a 
city union. At a meeting of the board of managers of 
this central body held March 3, 1872, it was resolved to 
memorialize the General Conference then soon to assem- 
ble at Brooklyn, N. Y., asking formal recognition of the 
Lyceum. The memorial was presented to the Confer- 
ence by Rev. W. F. Warren, D.D., President of Boston 
University, and was referred to a committee. After due 
consideration the committee made a favorable report, 
but, owing to the great pressure of business at the close 
of the session, the recommendations of the committee 
were not acted upon. At the succeeding General Con- 
ference, that of 1876, the request for official recognition 
was renewed. Owen Osier, M.D., of Philadelphia, was 
active in calling attention to the need of the Lyceum, 
and wrote a stirring article on the subject for The Meth- 
odist, which was widely read and commented upon. The 
memorial which failed in 1872 was carried to the Gen- 
eral Conference of 1876, and was presented to the body 



4 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



by Dr. E. O. Haven, then Chancellor of Syracuse Uni- 
versity and afterward bishop. The paper was referred 
to the Committee on Education, of which Dr. Haven 
was chairman. Here he earnestly exerted his influence 
in behalf of the proposed legislation, and, the commit- 
tee reporting favorably, the Conference adopted verbatim 
the paragraph sent up by Dr. Osier in 1872. The 
Lyceum was received with much favor in different parts 
of the Church. It did a good work in stimulating the 
intellectual life of the young and in promoting a taste 
for the pure and upbuilding in literature. The organi- 
zation was destined, however, to give place to the Ox- 
ford League, a society which retained the idea of intel- 
lectual culture, but provided also for special activity in 
the realm of social and spiritual life. 

It will be observed that from the very beginning the 
Methodist Episcopal Church has favored a denomina- 
tional organization for her young people rather than 
the undenominational or interdenominational form now 
so popular in some quarters. She has all along em- 
phasized certain doctrines and methods which have 
distinguished her from all sister denominations. We 
have not imitated others in our theology, hymnology, 
polity, or methods of practical work. We have always 
been a peculiar people. " If our fathers had sought to 
follow other Churches," says Dr. J. L. Hurlbut in a re- 
cent admirable discussion of this question, " if they had 
sought to assimilate with other Churches, to tone down 
their enthusiasm to the level of others, Methodism 
would not be in the forefront of progress. The young 
David of a century ago won his victory, not in Saul's 
armor, but with weapons all his own. For a hundred 



METHODISM AND HER YOUNG PEOPLE. 5 

years we have been successful according to the measure 
that we have sought to be ourselves and to do our work 
in our own way. In dealing with its young people our 
Church will bring to pass the best results by holding 
fast to its own traditions while it seeks cordiality and 
fraternity, but not union of organization, with its sister 
Churches. The relation of the Church and its young 
people is too vital for us to hand their supervision over 
to any outside authority." 

The Methodist Episcopal Church is a connectional 
organization. Plans suited to a denomination having a 
congregational form of government would not answer 
our purpose at all. The Epworth League is a vital 
part of our connectional life, just as are the love feast, 
the Quarterly Conference, or the Missionary Society. 
No young people's society officered by persons outside 
the Church, furnishing literature other than that pub- 
lished by our Book Concern, and conducted upon 
independent principles could be made permanently 
operative in Methodism. We must have something in 
exact harmony with the closely organized and far-reach- 
ing activities of our own Church. 

It should also be remembered that the working plans 
of the Epworth League are original. We have borrowed 
nothing. Every essential feature of our organization 
has been familiar to Methodism for generations. Is it 
the consecration service ? Behold the Methodist class 
meeting for a hundred years. Is it the pledge ? Turn 
the pages of our history and read of the numerous in- 
stances where John Wesley solemnly pledged his earliest 
members to certain specified duties. Listen also to the 
testimony of our ministers who have formally pledged 



6 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



their young people to loyalty and service. Is it the ap- 
pointment of committees to do certain definite churchly 
duties ? Read our book of Discipline from the begin- 
ning and you will see that practically the very meth- 
ods of doing the Lord's great work have been in use 
for a century as are now so popular and effective in the 
Epworth League. The League has been an evolution. 
It has grown from within. We have been conservative 
in the retention of old methods and progressive in mod- 
ernizing and adapting them to present-day conditions. 
These methods are proving effective to a remarkable 
degree. Yet we do not claim perfection. As new con- 
ditions arise new adjustments must be made. W r hat we 
aim to do is to revive the evangelistic fire and construct- 
ive power of primitive. Methodism and use them to up- 
lift the teeming thousands w r ho are within the influence 
of our denomination in these busy times. 

But should there not be fraternal cooperation between 
the young Christian workers of the various denomina- 
tions? Indeed there should. The historic attitude of 
the Methodist Church is one of cordial fraternity and 
practical cooperation with other Churches. "\Ye rejoice 
greatly in their prosperity, and gladly aid them in 
achieving grander churchly victories. But we are clear 
in the conviction that the cause of religion can be most 
effectively advanced by each Church working in its own 
sphere and by the use of machinery with which it has 
become familiar. Hence we have never taken very 
kindly to the almost innumerable " union " projects 
which have from time to time been started. The Ep- 
worth League takes its stand beside its mother in its 
attitude toward its denominational sisters. To one and 



METHODISM AND HER YOUNG PEOPLE. 



7 



all we sincerely say, "All hail ! " But we are confident 
that greater good can be accomplished when the young 
people of each denomination are organized into a society 
of their own, said society being an organic part of the 
denomination itself. We have denominational Churches. 
We have denominational Sunday schools. Why not 
denominational young people's societies ? The Churches 
and Sunday schools of various denominations work to- 
gether in the same community in most delightful har- 
mony. Why should not denominational young people's 
societies do so ? Loyalty to one's own Church need not 
subtract sympathy from sincere workers in all other 
Churches. Why should our devotion to the League pre- 
vent the most ardent love for our colaborers in the 
other splendid young people's organizations ? We are 
brethren. In the golden words of our sainted Simp- 
son, " We live to make our own Church a power in the 
land, while we live to love every other Church that ex- 
alts our Christ." 



8 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER II. 
THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 
I. THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S METHODIST ALLIANCE. 

The Epworth League is the resultant of the amalga- 
mation of five vital forces — the Young People's Metho- 
dist Alliance, the Oxford League, the Young People's 
Christian League, the Methodist Young People's Union, 
and the Young People's Methodist Episcopal Alliance. 
Of these the oldest was the Young People's Methodist 
Alliance. It came into existence August 25, 1883. 
Its birthplace was a woody grove on the old and 
historic Desplaines camp ground, not far from the 
city of Chicago. The story of its beginning is easily 
told. Dr. and Mrs. Asbury Lowrey, of New York, 
visited the camp and preached the Wesleyan doctrine 
of entire sanctification until hundreds in attendance be- 
came greatly interested. Many young people sought 
a fuller baptism of the Holy Spirit, and a more 
complete consecration of all for all. The light came 
clearly. Prejudices melted. Hunger and thirst in- 
creased. The filling time came. One day two young 
women, Misses Winnie S. Benjamin and Lillian E. 
Date, met by appointment under a certain tree for 
prayer and conversation. The next day a larger 
group strolled off to the sequestered spot for conference 
and prayer. The circle widened until, on August 21, 




REPRESENTATIVES OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S METHODIST ALLIANCE. 

HENRY DATE. WILLIS W. COOPER. REV. W. I. COGSHALL. 

REV. S. A. KEEN. REV. S. W. HEALD. REV. M. D. CARREL- 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 



9 



there were twenty young people in attendance. Rev. 
John E. Farmer, then a student at the Garrett Biblical 
Institute, and now a prominent pastor in the Wisconsin 
Conference, led the service. No language can express 
the glow of that hour. The little group of twenty were 
about to wend their way back to camp to attend the 
afternoon preaching service, when Mr. Frank McCluney, 
then a young Chicago bookkeeper, and now the pastor 
of a Methodist Episcopal Church in Florida, proposed 
that all should at once sign a common covenant. This 
was well received. Mr. Henry Date, who has since be- 
come prominent in evangelistic work, then proposed a 
permanent young people's society that should aim to 
keep alive and spread the holy enthusiasm of the hour. 

In the mind of Mr. Date the plan was simply for 
a fraternity whose members should watch and help 
each the other during the interim between the summer 
meetings. A committee was appointed to draft a consti- 
tution for the coming society, and with a doxology that 
rang down the woody glen the service ended. Four 
days later, in the Evanston church cottage the Alliance 
came into existence with a membership of nearly thirty. 
This number increased to eighty before the camp 
meeting closed. The officers elected were: President, 
Henry Date; Vice President, Rev. John E. Farmer; 
Corresponding Secretary, Frank McCluney; Recording 
Secretary, Miss Ida M. Harvey; Treasurer, Miss Minnie 
Sass; Advisory Committee, Rev. Luke Hitchcock, D.D., 
Rev. S. M. Davis, D.D., Rev. Frank M. Bristol, D.D. 

In August, 1885, the constitution was remodeled and 
made national in its scope. Provision was made for a 
monthly paper, a special course of reading, a daily study 
2 



10 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



of the Bible, and the formation of local Alliances in the 
churches. Up to this time the society was known as 
the Young People's Christian Alliance, and was only 
distinctively Methodistic because of the place of its 
birth and the manner of its life. In November of this 
year The Alliance Herald was launched and at once 
met with favor. It was the aim of the growing move- 
ment to promote loyal cooperation with pastors, daily 
study of the Bible, avoidance of questionable amuse- 
ments, holy living and thoughtful enthusiasm, and to 
lend a hand in keeping the young people in close sym- 
pathy with the usages, sacrifices, and experiences that 
had made the last century of Methodism mighty for 
God. The standard lifted was as high as that required 
of a candidate for ministerial orders. All active mem- 
bers were required to sign a pledge, which read: 

I enjoy or will seek the blessing of heart purity as taught in the 
Scriptures. I promise to abstain from the use of tobacco and of 
all intoxicants as a beverage, to refrain from card-playing and danc- 
ing, and from attending the theater, the opera, the circus, and all 
other questionable places of amusement. I agree to have stated 
seasons of private prayer, to pray for my pastor and for the members 
of the Young People's Methodist Alliance, to study the Bible each 
day, and to give daily thought to the winning of souls, by personal 
conversation, letter writing, tract distribution, prayer, or other means. 

This pledge was not required of associate members. 
Three mottoes were in use: i. "Holiness to the Lord." 
— Bible. 2. " We live to make our own Church a power 
in the land, while we live to love every other Church 
that exalts our Christ." — Bishop Simpson. 3. "All for 
Jesus." — Mary D. James. The badge everywhere worn 
was a narrow white ribbon with scarlet thread. These 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. II 



ribbons were put on when the pledge was signed, and 
were the insignia of a consecration made and a covenant 
taken. 

In the fall of 1886 several districts and camp meet- 
ings adopted the Alliance, increasing the membership to 
one thousand. December 1, 1887, there were fifty local 
societies and over two thousand names on the roll. 
Far and wide, even into foreign climes, the movement 
had spread. Men of note not a few spoke words of 
encouragement. Two conferences were held with Dr. 
J. H. Vincent, who, in the name of the Oxford League, 
proposed a uniting of interests. Failing to agree upon 
a basis of union, the matter was postponed for a season. 
The genial founder of the Oxford League aided with 
pen and purse, and often sent words of cheer and en- 
couragement. During the first six months of 1888 the 
membership again doubled. In July and August sum- 
mer training schools for Christian workers were held at 
Crystal Springs, Mich., and at Long Beach, Cal. The 
first international convention of Methodist young peo- 
ple the world ever saw was held under the auspices of 
the Alliance at Chicago, in September. Bishops J. M. 
Walden and William Taylor and Drs. J. L. Hurlbut, 
C. C. McCabe, J. O. Peck, Hugh Johnston, and other 
noted men made addresses. In the nine months that 
followed three hundred new societies were enrolled. 
It was estimated that over one thousand persons were 
converted in meetings held. Two men were now kept 
busy in the field. More than a hundred thousand cir- 
culars were quickly distributed. The average monthly 
expenditure was in excess of four hundred dollars. Mr. 
Willis W. Cooper, of St. Joseph, Mich., corresponding 



12 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



secretary, gave the cause much valuable time and toil. 
By special request Bishop Merrill appointed Rev. M. 
D. Carrel, of the Michigan Conference, superintendent 
of the growing interest. The conventions and training 
schools held by him in different parts of the country 
gave spiritual stimulus to multitudes of young people. 

But there were now four other general young people's 
societies in Methodism. Each was pushing ahead. 
The needs of the hour and the interests of the Church 
demanded concentration. Remembering that the Ox- 
ford League in the past had wooed wisely but not suc- 
cessfully, the Alliance now made bold to think that 
it should spring the question of union. Billets, fragrant 
with the perfume of love and sweet fraternity, were 
written and sent. Time flew on apace. From all of 
the interested parties came responses. The trysting time 
came when May blossoms bloomed. What then hap- 
pened is now well known. 

At its national convention, held at Indianapolis, 
July 5, 1889, the Young People's Methodist Alliance in- 
dorsed the action of the Cleveland Conference, adopted 
the constitution of the Epworth League, and voted itself 
out of existence. It was while on the crest- wave of suc- 
cess, with four hundred and ten local societies and nearly 
seventeen thousand members, that identity was lost by 
a voluntary act, and proof was given that love for the 
Church was supreme. 

II. THE OXFORD LEAGUE. 

The prime mover in the organization and develop- 
ment of the Oxford League was Dr. John H. Vincent. 
The General Conference of 1876 made provision for the 




REPRESENTATIVES OF THE OXFORD LEAGUE. 

REV. J. M. FREEMAN, REV. J. EMBURY PRICE. REV. J. T. DOCKING. 

BYRON E. HELMAN. REV. JESSE L. HLRLBLT. ROBERT R. DOHERTY. 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 



13 



Lyceum, but it was found that the purpose of this or- 
ganization did not meet the needs of the young peo- 
ple. Dr. Vincent, keenly alive to the real requirements 
of the multitude of young Methodists, sought to supply 
the vital thing which the Lyceum lacked. He proposed 
to organize a young people's society that should pro- 
vide for symmetrical spiritual and intellectual culture. 
This society was called " The Oxford League," after 
the famous English university in which the "Holy 
Club " was founded. 

The new organization was received with favor by 
many pastors and leading laymen, and was given hearty 
and significant indorsement at the centennial anniversary 
of the Christmas Conference which was held in Balti- 
more December 9-17, 1884. The Oxford League, as 
adopted by this representative body, had for its objects : 

I. The commemoration of the meetings of certain students at 
Oxford, England, between 1729 and 1737, principally under the 
leadership of John and Charles Wesley, from which meetings were 
developed the great religious awakenings and revivals of the last 
century, by which the doctrine and spirit of the Apostolic Church 
were again given in their fullness to the world and the power of 
the primitive Church once more established. 

II. The furthei-ance of the fourfold objects of the original Ox- 
ford Club: 1. The more careful and devout study of the Holy 
Scriptures ; 2. The cultivation of a nobler and purer personal Chris- 
tian character ; 3. The study of the Christian classics for literary 
culture ; 4. The devising of methods of doing good to others. 

The Oxford League aimed, in the fuller development of this 
scheme, to encourage Methodist youth, 1. To study the Holy Scrip- 
tures with a view to the promotion of personal piety ; 2. To become 
familiar with the Bible origin of the doctrines, spirit, and methods 
which characterize their own Church ; 3. To trace the presence and 
development of the Methodistic force in the Holy Catholic Church, 



14 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



from the days of the apostles to the present time ; 4. To trace the 
origin of the modern, evangelical, and apostolic revival, known as 
"Methodism" — "Christianity in earnest" — in the rectory of Ep- 
worth, the halls of Oxford, and in the consecrated homes of the best 
English society, and to promote a just appreciation of the strength, 
scholarship, and dignity of the Methodistic movement ; 5. To pro- 
mote personal consecration to practical work, carrying the Gospel 
in personal service to the most needy and the most degraded, to 
the godless poor and to the godless rich, reading to the bedridden 
and the blind, visiting the sick room, the hospital, and the prison, 
looking after new families coming into the community, and inviting 
children and adults to the Sunday school and the public service, 
studying the various benevolences of the Church, and thus cultivat- 
ing intelligent enthusiasm in the entire work of the Church ; 6. To 
promote intellectual training under the auspices of the Church 
through church lyceums or other church organizations, especially 
among those who no longer attend school, and thus develop a 
rational and refined Christian social life, in which accomplished 
people may find inspiration and people of limited opportunities be 
brought into gentle and ennobling and sanctifving fellowship, and 
thus practically indorse the official deliverances of all Christian 
Churches in their councils, conventions, conferences, and assemblies 
against irrational and hurtful amusements ; 7. To further these va- 
rious ends by the publication and circulation of the permanent docu- 
ments devoted to the history, philosophy, doctrines, institutions, and 
achievements of Methodism. 

When some one asked Dr. Vincent, " Is it not going 
backward to set up the Oxford brotherhood of one hun- 
dred and fifty years ago as our standard in these times ? " 
he replied, " The four things they arrived at are the 
four things we should aim at. In fact, there is no higher 
idea conceivable than that embraced in the four objects 
of the old Oxford Club — more Bible knowledge, more 
literary culture, more personal piety, more practical 
service. No, we are not going backward in lifting up 
and seeking their standard." 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 



15 



The Oxford League was denominational — a thor- 
oughly Methodistic movement designed to build up 
Methodism that Methodism may do more effective work 
in building up the cause of Christ everywhere. It had 
no sympathy with the cry for a " crucified denomina- 
tionalism." Accordingly it met with hostility. In reply 
to these strictures it answered in the person of its 
founder : "We must sometimes assert our own position 
in such a way as to place ourselves diametrically oppo- 
site to some of the rest, as when we insist upon the 
legitimacy of our ministry and repudiate the doctrine 
of apostolic succession ; but such insistence may be 
made in the spirit of love. We can avoid sharpness and 
severity, but we are cowards when we conceal our con- 
victions lest we hurt somebody. Let us hold the truth 
in love. This will keep us from the ' weak knee ' and 
the ' cold heart ' — two very bad things in any man or 
Church. We are Christians, Methodist Episcopal Chris- 
tians. Let us stand there and exert a sweet, persuasive, 
convincing influence over others." 

The character of the Lyceum, the name Oxford, and 
the possible influence of the Chautauqua movement 
combined to produce the impression that the Oxford 
League was designed chiefly for literary and social cul- 
ture. This was altogether erroneous. The League was 
specifically religious in its aim. It proposed to promote 
spiritual life by more Bible study, to broaden the Chris- 
tian's horizon by a larger culture in the world of 
thought and expression, and to deepen vital piety by 
devotional services and tender ministry in Christly 
work. Alike avoiding mysticism, cant, and one-sided 
culture, it steadfastly strove for the symmetrical devel- 



i6 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



opment of the whole man. Into this holy service were 
pressed all things — pleasant companionships, good libra- 
ries, all true social fellowship, all legitimate enjoyment, 
all communion with God in nature and God in revela- 
tion. In a word, the Oxford League claimed the conse- 
cration of every faculty and every opportunity to the 
service of Christ. 

The success of the movement in the first years was 
not extraordinary. Probably the times were not ripe, 
and the organization was poorly understood. Still, 
a lofty standard was thus lifted and inspiration thus 
given to the Church for a forward movement. Numer- 
ous chapters were established, and the numbers slowly 
increased until the winter of 1889, when the Board of 
Control revised somewhat the plans of the League. The 
" wheel " devised by Mr. B. E. Helman to set forth the 
methods of work and the form of organization for the 
local chapter embraced the recent modifications and 
attracted general attention. A vigorous policy was in- 
augurated by Dr. Hurlbut, Secretary of the Sunday 
School Union and Tract Society, and the League moved 
forward with the tread of a young giant. About five 
hundred chapters were enrolled in sixty days, when, lo ! 
the hour of midnight struck at Cleveland, May 15, 1889, 
the Epworth League was born, and the Oxford League 
folded its banner and loyally laid its pledges of fealty and 
devotion at the feet of this latest born child of promise. 

III. THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S CHRISTIAN LEAGUE. 

The late Rev. Dr. J. H. Twombly was the origi- 
nator of the Young People's Christian League. Rev. 
W. I. Haven, who knew Dr. Twombly well, has said of 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 



him : "Anyone visiting the New England Conference 
for the first time might think Dr. Twombly was one of 
the older members, but they never would make that mis- 
take a second time. His brain is as fertile as that 
land of promise where ' the plowman overtakes the 
reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed.' 
He never rests in his planning for the interests of the 
Church. Years ago in his early pastorates he organized 
the young people for service, and once, as a member of 
the General Conference, initiated a movement for which 
the Church is but just ready, so long does it take the rest 
of the country to see the light that shines on these eastern 
shores. One of his dreams has been the gathering of a 
great Methodist international meeting of young people. 
The hour of the fulfillment of his dream is not far off." 

Early in 1887 Dr. Twombly presented a resolution to 
the Boston Methodist preachers' meeting concerning 
the welfare of the young people of Methodism, and call- 
ing for a convention of the young Methodists of New 
England. In obedience to this resolution a mass con- 
vention was held in Bromfield Street Church, Boston, 
March 3. The church was crowded morning, after- 
noon, and evening. Some of the old saints, who have 
since passed on to the other shore, wept for joy as they 
saw the sight. At this meeting a committee was ap- 
pointed to consider the needs of the young people and 
to call a second convention and report plans for organ- 
ization and work. 

The second convention was held in First Church, 
Boston, October 26, 1887. It was very important on 
account of what it prophesied as well as for what it 
actually accomplished. About three hundred and fifty 



i8 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



young people were present, representing about one 
hundred New England churches. Dr. Twombly, the 
prime mover in the enterprise, was there. Hon. J. F. 
Almy presided at the morning session. Rev. W. P. 
Odell, the secretary, read reports from various young 
people's societies of New England, whose names were 
as numerous as the organizations themselves. This fact 
showed very plainly the need of some such movement as 
the projectors of the convention contemplated. At this 
session Rev. J. M. Durrell read a timely paper on "The 
Relation of the Church to the Young People." During the 
afternoon session, at which Avery L. Rand, Esq., presided, 
a constitution was presented and adopted. The name 
" Young People's Christian League" was chosen for 
the new organization. The officers elected were: Presi- 
dent, Rev. W. I. Haven ; Vice Presidents, Rev. J. M. 
Durrell, W. H. Thompson, Mrs. H. M. Willard, E. T. 
Burrows ; Corresponding Secretary, Rev. W. P. Odell ; 
Recording Secretary, Mrs. G. F. Washburn ; Treasurer, 
W. M. Flanders ; Auditor, W. S. Allen ; Directors, 
Hon. Jacob Sleeper, George H. Van Norman, H. D. 
Barber, Mrs. J. W. Barber, Rev. J. D. Pickles, Charles 
E. Rice, Rev. J. H. Twombly, D.D., G. C. King, 
William Rushton, Mrs. George A. Bates, Miss Isabella 
Twombly, and L. E. Hitchcock. During the meeting 
Bishop Vincent appeared unexpectedly and was invited 
to speak. He suggested as a motto for the League, 
"Look up and lift up." This was enthusiastically 
adopted. The badge was the same as the present Ep- 
worth League badge, except that the letters "Y," "P," 
" C," " L" — Young People's Christian League — appeared 
in the arms of the outer cross. 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 



19 



The Young People's Christian League was started 
with broader plans than any society then existing in the 
Church. The Young People's Methodist Alliance at 
that time had only one class of members, and the Ox- 
ford League required a uniform constitution, and neither 
of these societies was able to group together the already 
existing societies which were in many of our churches. 
The Young People's Christian League aimed to unify 
the interests of these older societies, lyceums, guilds, 
bands, etc., with their local histories and associations, 
by making them auxiliary to a central body without re- 
quiring any change of name or constitution or method 
of work, wherever these were acceptable to their local 
church. It was a sort of roundhouse into which dif- 
ferent engines might run and get acquainted with each 
other's whistles in conventions and the like. 

Very soon it turned out that there were a good many 
churches without any societies ; so a committee prepared 
some suggestions for a constitution for such societies. 
Rev. W. I. Haven says: "We didn't dare do anything 
but offer suggestions, for here in Yankeeland every 
group of young people had their own notions about con- 
stitutions. We simply required allegiance to their local 
church to secure relation to the central body, and not 
uniformity of organization." The organization was very 
democratic, the officers and board of management being 
chosen by the delegates from the auxiliaries present in 
annual convention. Dr. Twombly, in framing the con- 
stitution, was very careful to have a door open so that 
other Methodisms might have a share in the government 
of the League. Under the efficient oversight of the 
general secretary. Rev. W. P. Odell, the League grew 



20 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



rapidly. Dr. Parkhurst opened the columns of Zions 
Herald and helped the cause generously. Our Youth 
also gave up a portion of its columns to the League. 
The winds bore the seed all over the country until there 
were auxiliaries in Texas, Dakota, South Carolina, 
Georgia, New York, Ohio, and many other States out- 
side of New England as well as in all of the New Eng- 
land States. There were also several auxiliaries in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 

The first annual meeting was held in Tremont Street 
Church, Boston, October 17, 1888. There were over 
two hundred delegates present, and the corresponding 
secretary reported one hundred and seventy-five socie- 
ties, with a membership of eight thousand. The achieve- 
ments of the Christian League during its brief career 
were inspiring, if not numerous. It published and 
scattered broadcast an Easter letter. It sent a call to 
all its members in New Hampshire to help in the con- 
stitutional amendment campaign. It took part as a 
body in a similar campaign in Massachusetts. It pub- 
lished leaflets and songs written by its members, and 
did what it could to bring about the Cleveland Confer- 
ence and the unification of interests in the Epworth 
League. Its motto was placed on its badge, and now 
surrounds the Roman cross of the Epworth League 
badge. With its devotional, denominational, literary 
and social, visitation, temperance, mission, and finance 
departments it attempted to carry out the spirit of its 
motto, "Look up and lift up." It prepared a reading 
course and published prayer meeting topics, and by the 
help of the generous donations of life members paid all 
its bills. The meetings of the Board of Management 




REPRESENTATIVES OF THE METHODIST YOUNG PEOPLE'S UXIOX. 

REV. FREDERICK A. SMART. REV. C. B. SPENCER. REV. C. H. MORGAN. 

REV. JAMES E. JACKLIN. REV. SAMUEL PLANTZ. REV. W. \V. WASHBURN. 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 



21 



were held in that " Jerusalem chamber," the trustees' 
room of Boston University, and deeply interesting ses- 
sions they were. The ladies were in its general con- 
ferences to start with, and the divine favor was not with- 
held. Before the second annual meeting the banns 
were published for the union arranged at Cleveland. 
Rev. W. I. Haven, Rev. W. P. Odell, and Rev. C. A. 
Littlefield were present as best men for one of the high 
contracting parties, and soon the work of the Young 
People's Christian League as a separate organization 
was over. 

IV. THE METHODIST YOUNG PEOPLE'S UNION. 

The Union had its headquarters in Michigan. The 
organization was the outcome of a meeting of certain 
alert Detroit Conference pastors. For some time they 
had been impressed that the time had come for the for- 
mation of a society for the social and religious culture 
of their young people — a society better fitted for this 
high purpose than any of those already in existence. 
The matter was first broached in November, 1887, at a 
session of the Detroit Methodist ministers' meeting. 
Dr. W. W. Washburn delivered an able address on the 
subject of young people's societies, after which a com- 
mittee was appointed to consider the propriety of calling 
a convention. This committee was composed of Revs. 
W. W. Washburn, C. M. Cobern, F. A. Smart, and 
Messrs. John Hall and Frank Bethell. It convened on 
December 1, 1887. Dr. L. P. Davis, then a pastor in 
Detroit, was present as an advisory member. The en- 
tire question was carefully considered. Finally it was 
decided to recommend the holding of " a convention to 



22 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



discuss methods and means to advance the interests of 
young people's work in connection with our churches 
in the Detroit Conference." 

This action was promptly approved by the aforesaid 
preachers' meeting. A call was issued, and the conven- 
tion assembled on December 19 and 20, 1887, in 
Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich. 
Delegates from mere than fifty churches and young 
people's societies attended, and the following topics 
were discussed: 1. Necessity of young people's church 
societies, and objects to be secured by them. 2. Most 
efficient means of securing these objects. 3. Desirabil- 
ity of greater uniformity of object and method in our 
young people's work. 

As a result of the convention a Conference organiza- 
tion was formed, known as the " Young People's Society 
of Detroit Conference." A comprehensive constitution 
was adopted. Many of its best features were ulti- 
mately incorporated in the plan of the Epworth League. 
Hon. Horace Hitchcock, of Detroit, was the first presi- 
dent, and Rev. Frederick A. Smart the secretary. The 
movement spread with great rapidity. Soon its fame 
was widely " noised abroad." Inquiries for the model 
constitution were received from nearly every State in 
the Union and from foreign parts. One year of trial 
and success convinced the managers of the society that 
there was something in the movement worth giving to 
the world. Consequently, at the annual meeting held 
in the Jefferson Street Methodist Episcopal Church, 
Saginaw, Mich., December 4, 1888, the constitution was 
so revised as to provide for a more general organization, 
under the name " Methodist Young People's Union." 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 23 



At this meeting communications were received from Rev. 
W. I. Haven, President of the Young People's Christian 
League, and Rev. M. D. Carrel, Superintendent of the 
Young People's Methodist Alliance, each urging union 
with his respective society. But the managers were 
seeking a larger union, and felt that the way to secure 
it most speedily was to " force the fighting " for their 
ideas. So the Union was launched. Rev. W. W. 
Washburn, D.D., was elected president, and Rev. Fred- 
erick A. Smart corresponding secretary. Provision was 
made for the publication of Our Young People, a monthly 
paper for young Methodists, under the joint editorial 
management of Revs. C. B. Spencer and P. Ross Parrish. 
Only two numbers of this periodical appeared, since it 
was shortly after merged into Our Youth, the provisional 
organ of the Epworth League. The amended model 
constitution was now mailed broadcast, and the society 
bade fair to become as numerous in membership as 
competing organizations. The spirit of the " Union " 
management was evidenced in this article by the cor- 
responding secretary, which appeared in the columns 
of the Michigan Christian Advocate. The reasons for 
reorganization are as follows : 

1. The success of our form of organization in the first year of its 
existence, and the constant demand for information concerning our 
methods and purpose from all sections of the country, which proves 
that many workers in this inviting field are still looking for the 
ne plus ultra in young people's societies. 

2. We believe that the theory of our movement is unassailable, 
and the statement of that theory in our new constitution, soon to 
be printed, nearly perfect. 

3. Those interested have been close students of the plans, meth- 
ods, and work of all other organizations of similar nature, and find 



24 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



nearly all of them lacking in some feature deemed by us impor- 
tant. 

4. It seems desirable that all such societies everywhere, holding 
our views of the need of the work, should enter into closer fellow- 
ship, with more adequate means of intercommunication than we 
have yet enjoyed. 

In order to serve these ends our society has taken the name 
"Methodist Young People's Union" of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. We have overleaped the Conference boundary and formed 
a general organization for the whole Church. We are fairly in the 
field, and challenge brotherly emulation on the part of contempo- 
rary organizations, believing that in such a friendly and Christian 
competition the true policy will be developed. In the domain of 
literary achievements we desire to be excelled by none ; in the de- 
velopment of the social nature we do not expect to be outdone, and 
in spiritual things we hang our banner on the outer walls, inscribed 
" Holiness unto the Lord." Our literature, which will soon be is- 
sued, will outline more fully our plans ; our organ, christened Our 
Young People, will keep these plans before the Church, and our re- 
liance for success is on the Holy Spirit. 

With such a spirit manifested by the active manage- 
ment of the various societies, no great length of time 
could elapse without consolidation. Upon the issuance 
of the call for the Cleveland Conference the Union 
promptly appointed the following delegates: Revs. W. 
W. Washburn, D.D., F. A. Smart, C. B. Spencer, C. H. 
Morgan, Samuel Plantz, and J. E. Jacklin. This dele- 
gation participated earnestly in the discussions of the 
Conference. They went there with an ardent desire 
for union and well-prepared plans to bring it about. 
No body of men were more alert, conscientious, and 
influential in the memorable two days' conference, 
and none rejoiced more sincerely over the happy out- 
come. 




REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NORTH OHIO CONFERENCE METHODIST 
EPISCOPAL ALLIANCE. 

REV. ORLANDO BADGLEY. REV. J. S. REAGER. REV. B. J. HOADLEY. 

REV. G. A. REEDER, JR. REV. L. K. WARNER. REV. B. J. MILLS. 



THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 25 



V. THE NORTH OHIO CONFERENCE METHODIST EPISCO- 
PAL ALLIANCE. 

The fifth of the " original societies" was but an infant 
when the consolidation took place. The organizers 
doubtless hoped that they had found the solution of the 
problem that was vexing the leaders of the younger 
hosts of Methodism. One who was high in the councils 
of this new organization has said that the North Ohio 
Conference Methodist Episcopal Alliance was the out- 
growth of a desire for the consolidation of all Methodist 
Episcopal societies of young people into one great con- 
nectional society. The want of such a society had long 
been felt among the pastors of the North Ohio Con- 
ference, within whose bounds chapters of the Young 
People's Methodist Alliance, Oxford League, and Chris- 
tian League had been established. At the session of 
the Conference held at Ashland, O., in September, 1888, 
an Oxford League committee was appointed for the 
purpose of considering certain matters pertaining to 
young people's societies which had been presented to 
the Conference. This committee was made up of Revs. 
W. A. Robinson, E. O. Buxton, B. J. Hoadley, G. W. 
Huddleston, J. S. Reager, E. Persons, R. T. Stevenson, 
H. L. Steves, and C. A. Wustenberg. The committee 
presented the following resolution, the unanimous adop- 
tion of which was an index to the sentiment of the body: 

Resolved, That we believe a great connectional young people's 
organization that would enlist the cooperation of all our Conferences 
would tend to the greatest improvement in intelligence, piety, and 
methods of Christian work. In view of the existence of two or 
three Methodist societies, having for their object the accomplish- 
3 



26 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



ment of the same purpose, your committee would recommend that 
efforts be made to secure the consolidation of all these societies into 
one. We also recommend the appointment of Rev. J. S. Reager, of 
this Conference, as Conference secretary for the purpose of securing 
such consolidation, and for the distribution of information upon this 
subject among our charges. 

In harmony with this action of the Conference the 
presiding elders appointed district secretaries as follows: 
Rev. F. G. McCauley, Mount Vernon District; Rev. 
L. K. Warner, Wooster District ; Rev. G. A. Reeder and 
Rev. Austin Philpott, Mansfield District; Rev. O. Badg- 
ley, Galion District ; Rev. B. J. Mills, Sandusky Dis- 
trict. A meeting of the secretaries — Conference and 
district — was held at Mansfield, O., December 6, 1888. 
It was held in the study of Rev. N. S. Albright, who 
assisted the secretaries in the formation of a plan of 
organization and in drafting a constitution. This work 
engaged the secretaries for two days. The result of 
their work was accepted generally by the pastors of the 
Conference, and the organization of local societies was 
pushed with energy. Before the close of the winter the 
districts were all organized and new societies were 
rapidly multiplying on the charges. 

While these brethren in Ohio were pushing their so- 
ciety with vigor, feeling confident that they were doing 
their share toward the creation of the ultimate society, 
the invitation was received to attend the convention 
that had been called to meet at Cleveland May 14, 
1889. With the assurance that there was a strong prov- 
idential element in this new venture, the North Ohio 
Conference Alliance sent Revs. J. S. Reager, L. K. 
Warner, G. A. Reeder, Jr., O. Badgley, B. J. Mills, and 



\ 

THE FIVE ORIGINAL SOCIETIES. 2J 

B. J. Hoadley to Cleveland as its representatives. 
These brethren took an active part in the deliberations 
of that historic gathering, and rejoiced over the results. 
An enthusiastic convention was held at Shelby, O., May 
28, 1889. The convention was composed of delegates 
from the local societies of the North Ohio Conference 
Alliance, by whom the heartiest indorsement was given 
to the action of the Cleveland Conference, and the new 
name of Epworth League was unanimously adopted. 



28 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER III. 
THE BIRTH OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. 

There are certain localities of historic interest to 
which Methodists instinctively turn with gratitude and 
pride. Epworth, the home of the Wesley family, is one 
of them. City Road Chapel, in London, is another. 
Old John Street Church, in New York city, is still another. 
Others are old St. George's Church, in Philadelphia, and 
Lovely Lane Chapel, in Baltimore. Future historians 
of Methodism will need to place Cleveland, O., in their 
list of favored names, for in that city the Epworth 
League was born. The event occurred on the 15th of 
May, 1889, in the Central Methodist Episcopal Church. 
The old building in which the historic meeting was held 
has been removed, and a handsome modern structure, 
known as the Epworth Memorial Church, has taken its 
place. 

As we have indicated in a previous chapter, negotia- 
tions had been carried on for some weeks between repre- 
sentatives of the five general young people's societies 
of our Church looking toward a possible union. That 
some steps ought to be taken to centralize and har- 
monize the work was freely admitted. But just what 
method would most easily and successfully bring about 
the desired consummation was a question not easily 
answered. Finally the leaders of the Young People's 
Methodist Alliance proposed a conference. This plan 



CENTRAL .METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CLEVELAND, O, 



THE BIRTH OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. 29 



met with favor. In due time an invitation was extended 
by Rev. B. F. Dimmick, pastor of the Central Church, 
Cleveland, to representatives of the various societies to 
meet in that edifice. The invitation was accepted. On 
the morning of Tuesday, May 14, the leaders met face to 
face. As the personnel of the Cleveland Conference will 
always be a matter of peculiar interest the names are 
here recorded. 

The Young People's Methodist Alliance was repre- 
sented by Rev. Henry Date, a Chicago Methodist local 
preacher and successful evangelist; Rev. M. D. Carrel, 
now a valued attache of the Western Methodist Book 
Concern at Cincinnati ; Rev. Dr. S. A. Keen, the soul- 
winning evangelist ; Dr. S. W. Heald, Secretary of the 
Upper Iowa Conference ; Dr. W. I. Cogshall, now Pre- 
siding Elder of the Grand Rapids District, Mich., and 
Mr. Willis W. Cooper, a manufacturer of St. Joseph, 
Mich., who has for years been widely known as a conse- 
crated and successful Christian worker. 

The Oxford League had as its representatives Rev. 
Dr. J. L. Hurlbut, Corresponding Secretary of the Sun- 
day School Union and Tract Society; Rev. Dr. J. M. 
Freeman, Assistant Corresponding Secretary of the 
Sunday School Union and Tract Society; Dr. R. R. 
Doherty, Recording Secretary of the same ; Rev. Dr. J. 
Embury Price, a prominent New York city pastor ; 
Rev. James T. Docking, now a pastor in the New Eng- 
land Southern Conference, and Mr. Bryon E. Helman, 
a successful merchant and prominent Methodist of 
Cleveland, O. The Oxford League also had reserve 
delegates, as follows : Rev. J. C. W. Coxe, D.D., of 
Iowa ; Rev. A. H. Gillet, D.D., Cincinnati ; Rev. J. W. 



30 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



Kennedy, of Michigan, and Mr. W. M. Day, of Cleve- 
land, O. 

The Christian League sent Rev. William I. Haven, of 
Boston, known and loved throughout Methodism ; Rev. 
Willis P. Odell, then of New England Conference, but 
now pastor of Delaware Avenue Church, Buffalo, N. Y., 
and Rev. C. A. Littlefield, at present pastor of Asbury 
Church, Springfield, Mass. 

The Methodist Young People's Union commissioned 
a full delegation as follows : Rev. Dr. W. W. Washburn, 
of Saginaw ; Rev. Charles H. Morgan, now of Howell ; 
Rev. Samuel Plantz, of Tabernacle Church, Detroit ; 
Rev. Frederick A. Smart, at present successfully en- 
gaged in promoting the financial interests of Albion 
College ; Rev. James E. Jacklin, for the past three 
years Associate Editor of the Michigan Christian Advo- 
cate ; and Rev. Claudius B. Spencer, the popular pastor 
of Christ Church, Denver, Colo. 

The Alliance of the North Ohio Conference was hon- 
ored with this able representation : Rev. J. S. Reager, 
Rev. G. A. Reeder, Jr., Rev. B. J. Mills, Rev. B. J. 
Hoadley, Rev. Orlando Badgley, and Rev. L. K. War- 
ner. These brethren were then all influential pastors 
in the North Ohio Conference, and, with one exception, 
we believe, they are still toiling in that field. 

The Conference was called to order by Mr. Willis W. 
Cooper. A hymn was sung, and Dr. Hurlbut led in 
prayer. Mr. Cooper was then chosen temporary chair- 
man, and Dr. A. H. Gillet, recently translated to the 
heavenly home, was named as temporary secretary. Com- 
mittees on permanent organization and order of busi- 
ness were appointed. Brothers Doherty, Odell, Cogs- 



THE BIRTH OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. 3 1 



hall, Smart, and Reeder served on the former, and 
Brothers Price, Carrel, Littlefield, Mills, and Morgan 
on the latter. Rev. B. F. Dimmick, pastor of the Cen- 
tral Church, was requested to act as Committee on Cre- 
dentials. The Committee on Permanent Organization 
was not long in selecting officers, and upon its nomina- 
tion Mr. Cooper was elected chairman, and Rev. Claudius 
B. Spencer secretary. It was agreed that the voting 
be done by delegations, and that each delegation have 
a right to six votes. 

In order to secure a frank and full expression of opin- 
ion from the delegates upon the important problem 
which had called them together, it was decided that a 
representative of each society should occupy ten min- 
utes, suggesting, if possible, some basis of union. After 
a brief recess for consultation Henry Date spoke for the 
Methodist Alliance, and nominated the following basis 
for the hoped-for consolidation : 1. Uniform constitu- 
tion. 2. Self-government under a general board, au- 
tonomy. 3. A strong spiritual element. The Oxford 
League was represented by Robert R. Doherty, its re- 
cording secretary. He gave a history of the League 
and its "new departure." He was unable, however, as 
yet to make suggestions for the proposed union. Rev. 
W. I. Haven was spokesman for the Young People's 
Christian League. These were his recommendations : 
1. Publishing interests centered in New York. 2. Gen- 
eral organization centered in New York. 3. General 
secretary to be the Corresponding Secretary of the Sun- 
day School Union. 4. General Conference district 
organizations, to a large degree autonomous; these dis- 
tricts to each elect two delegates to a convention which 



32 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



should be held quadrennially at the seat of the General 
Conference. 5. Local constitutions with pledge, and 
local constitutions without pledge. 6. A Board of Con- 
trol, to consist of the delegates from each of the General 
Conference districts, a number of bishops, and others. 
Dr. Washburn expressed the wishes of the Young Peo- 
ple's Union, and suggested these planks for the union 
platform : 1. A pledge, but not to be insisted upon 
from all. 2. A paper. 3. A general organization 
similar in plan to that outlined by the representative 
of the Christian League. 4. A strong spiritual ele- 
ment. For the North Ohio Conference delegates Rev. 
J. S. Reager said they were ready to make any proper 
concession for union. Thus the morning hours were 
spent in fraternal exchange of sentiment. Before ad- 
journment it was clear that while the desire for a united 
society was strong very serious obstacles were in the 
way of its consummation. 

When the brethren came together in the afternoon 
Rev. W. I. Haven led in prayer, asking most earnestly 
for divine guidance and help. After a brief conference 
with his colleagues Dr. Hurlbut made these propositions 
for a united society: 1. A strong spiritual foundation. 
2. A local society to be organized under the authority 
of the local church. 3. The general organization to 
be managed by a Board of Control, chosen like the 
other general officers of the Church, by the General 
Conference, but upon nomination by the bishops. 

All the societies having now submitted a basis of 
union which they considered fair and equitable, a com- 
mittee on " Consolidation " was appointed. These are 
the men who were named : M. D. Carrel, J. E. Price, 



THE BIRTH OF THE EP WORTH LEAGUE. 33 



W. P. Odell, Samuel Plantz, and L. K. Warner. This 
committee soon presented a model general Constitution 
for the consolidated societies. It embraced many of 
the features of that which eventually became the gen- 
eral Constitution of the Epworth League. The report 
was laid on the table until the next meeting. 

The committee of one from each society which had 
been appointed during the afternoon to confer about 
the publication of a newspaper organ now asked per- 
mission to report. Its recommendation was that Our 
Youth be modified so as to give more prominence to the 
religious and social features of the proposed united so- 
ciety. Then the Conference decided to adjourn till the 
morning. 

Wednesday morning, May 15, a day to be forever 
memorable in the history of Methodism, found the little 
company of anxious brethren again assembled in the 
class room of Central Church. A half hour was spent 
in prayer. What could have been more appropriate ? 
One of the most influential movements in the history of 
our denomination was about to assume organic form. 
How important that the Head of the Church should be 
present to guide and control the deliberations of the 
Conference upon this historic day ! 

First in order was the consideration of reports which 
had been laid upon the table at the previous session. 
Those on " Consolidation " and " General Organization " 
were first considered. The discussion was fraternal and 
free, and, with slight amendments, both the documents 
were approved. Inasmuch as the general plan formed 
the basis for the model general Constitution of the 
Epworth League and will be quoted in full in a subse- 



34 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



quent chapter, its insertion is not considered essential 
here. 

The selection of a na,7ne for the proposed united so- 
ciety awakened much interest. The committee made 
this recommendation: 

While we agree that the retention of the name of each society 
here represented would probably conduce to the strength, of that so- 
ciety for the time being, we have felt, nevertheless, that the interests 
of the work at large should only be consulted, and that those inter- 
ests may be best subserved by mutual concession. 

We are in practical agreement that we can select no better noun 
than League. As to the adjective we are not agreed. The majority 
of your committee favors The Wesley League ; one votes for The 
Oxford League, and one for The Christian League. 

We make this tentative report as the completest we can now reach, 
and reserve our individual rights on the final vote. 

The vote showed that the problem had been pretty 
thoroughly discussed by the committee. If these breth- 
ren could not agree upon a name after careful and pro- 
longed consideration it was hardly to be expected that 
the Conference could do so at once. Motions, amend- 
ments, and substitutes followed each other in rapid suc- 
cession. Agreement seemed to be improbable. Finally 
it was resolved to go into committee of the whole, and 
see if some conclusion could not be reached. But the 
hour of adjournment was already at hand, and, after 
electing Mr. Cooper chairman, the committee postponed 
further consideration till afternoon. 

The devotional meeting with which the afternoon ses- 
sion opened will not be soon forgotten by those who 
were present. Nearly all the delegates participated. 
The attitude of the little company was one of entire 
consecration, and their petition was for guidance in the 



THE BIRTH OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. 35 



important steps they were now taking. Then the per- 
plexing question of a name for the proposed society- 
was again taken up. Remarks were made by almost 
every one present. Various suggestions were volun- 
teered. Some new combinations of words were proposed. 
Finally an informal ballot was agreed to. This was 
the result : The Wesley League, twelve votes ; The Ep- 
worth League, nine ; The Oxford League, eight ; The 
Young People's League of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, one. This vote, it will be remembered, was 
taken in the committee of the whole. When it was an- 
nounced Dr. Hurlbut moved that the committee rise 
and report the name " Wesley League " to the Confer- 
ence. Some of the brethren were eager to substitute 
the name " Oxford " for " Wesley." Hence more friendly 
discussion was indulged in. But the name "Wesley 
League " was adopted by a decisive vote, and the com- 
mittee so reported to the Conference. In the Confer- 
ence the debate was resumed. But the name suggested 
was ultimately adopted, and " Wesley League " became 
temporarily the cognomen of the projected society. 

Then followed a careful examination of the report of 
the Committee on Local Constitution. Inasmuch as 
many of the plans outlined by the committee were not 
finally adopted by the Epworth League it is perhaps 
hardly necessary to give the document space here. It 
may be said in brief, however, that the plan contem- 
plated a society having active and associate member- 
ship, with a pledge for each class. The officers were 
to consist of a president, a vice president, a secretary, a 
treasurer, and the chairmen of standing committees ; 
these officers, with the pastor, to form a " Board of 



36 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



Managers." The following standing committees were 
proposed: Devotional, Denominational, Literary, Social 
Work, Visitation, and Finance. A footnote stated that 
the pledge for active members was recommended for 
general adoption; but if in any church this pledge 
should be found to be an obstacle to the formation of a 
League the members might adopt the associate mem- 
bers' pledge and sign the Constitution. 

The Conference went into a committee of the whole 
to consider the proposed local Constitution. Time was 
rapidly slipping away, and for economical reasons all 
speeches were limited to three* minutes each. Messrs. 
Hurlbut, Keen, Carrel, Warner, Smart, Date, Doherty, 
Freeman, Washburn, Haven, Morgan, Odell, Docking^ 
and Badgley took part in the animated debate. Pend- 
ing a decision a recess of ten minutes was taken by re- 
quest of the representatives of the Oxford League. 
Upon reassembling this frank and courteous communi- 
cation was read by Dr. Hurlbut: 

Dearly Beloved Brethren : We, the representatives of the 
Oxford League, desire to make the following statement : 

We do not feel authorized to surrender the organization of the 
Oxford League as an institution of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
During the two months which have elapsed since the " new depar- 
ture " was entered upon the League, by its various Conference so- 
cieties, by State conventions, and by its central authorities, has en- 
deavored as rapidly as possible to perfect its organization on a 
broadly representative principle. Already this development has so 
far progressed as to secure adequate representation to every local 
chapter, to give to each a voice in the general government of the 
League, and to make our Board of Control a large and truly repre- 
sentative body. We will gladly receive from this Conference any 
suggestions as to modification of plan ; we will carefully consider 
them, and will submit them to the bishops and Board of Control. 



THE BIRTH OF THE EP WORTH LEAGUE. 37 



" Unification " is still our earnest desire, but under the circumstances 
it is perhaps better for us not to participate in your further discus- 
sions as to the formation of a new society. In our effort to harmo- 
nize differences we have proposed to surrender many of the most 
cherished features of our general management ; we have consented, 
tentatively, to a surrender of our name, and to make many other 
concessions. But ive cannot give up ottr Constitution. We assure 
you of our hearty love and our warmest wishes for your success in 
all Christian endeavor. We will joyfully greet any who elect to join 
us, and we will at any time gladly meet in convention and confer- 
ence our brethren of various societies for consultation upon the best 
plans of work. 

The delegates of the Oxford League then withdrew 
from the room. When the Conference recovered from 
its surprise a motion was made and carried to spread 
the communication just received upon the journal. 
Revs. L. K. Warner and B. J. Mills, of the North Ohio 
Conference Alliance, asked to be excused from the Con- 
ference because of sympathy with the action of the 
representatives of the Oxford League. The request was 
granted. 

The withdrawal of the delegates of the Oxford League, 
followed soon after by the two North Ohio brethren, 
threw the Conference into a state of mind bordering 
upon consternation. It surely looked as though the ob- 
ject of the meeting was after all to fail of attainment. 
Several eyewitnesses of the scene describe it as most 
pathetic. All knew that a momentous crisis had come. 
So the brethren betook themselves to prayer. One after 
another talked with God. W T hile they yet asked, the 
answer came. Everyone felt the divine presence. 
Rev. W. I. Haven, with the tears rolling down his face, 
said: " I am willing to concede anything, even the name; 



38 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



we must not leave this place without securing the end 
for which we came — union." All agreed that he was 
right. So after a most affecting season of prayer a com- 
mittee consisting of W. I. Haven, S. A. Keen, J. E. 
Jacklin, and Orlando Badgley was appointed to wait 
upon the Oxford League delegates and invite them to 
return to the Conference. The committee was in- 
structed to say that the Conference was willing to con- 
sider the local Constitution of the Oxford League seria- 
tim, instead of that reported by the special committee of 
the Conference. 

A recess of ten minutes was taken to await the report 
of the committee. After half an hour had been spent in 
prayer and testimony, in the continued absence of the 
committee, it was agreed to continue the recess subject 
to the call of the chairman. Thus came to a close the 
afternoon session. 

When the brethren filed into the little room for the 
evening session there was upon every face a strange 
commingling of anxiety and hopefulness. They knew 
that the problem would in all probability be solved in 
some form before they left the church that night. What 
would the solution be ? No one could tell. Yet it 
was felt that the work in which they were engaged was 
of God, and he surely would find a way out of the pres- 
ent embarrassment. It was this confidence that gave 
such tenderness and buoyancy to the prayers of 
Brothers Keen, Reager, and Jacklin in the opening de- 
votions. 

Rev. W. I. Haven reported that his committee had 
visited the Oxford League delegates according to in- 
structions, and that Dr. Hurlbut and Dr. Price, who were 



THE BIRTH OF THE EP WORTH LEAGUE. 39 



present, would report their answer. Dr. Hurlbut read 
the following: 

Dearly Beloved Brethren : We have listened to the kind 
representations made by Brother W. I. Haven, on behalf of your 
committee. 

We have already tentatively made as large concessions as we feel 
authorized to make, and are convinced that union can be effected at 
this stage only on the following basis : 

1. That the Oxford League Constitution be accepted as it stands, 
with whatever merely verbal changes may be found necessary to 
adapt it immediately to the needs of all associations that may affiliate 
with it ; but that for all constitutional changes we await the complete 
organization of our new Board of Control. 

2. That District and Conference Leagues be organized as rapidly 
as possible. 

3. That modifications and amendments to the Constitution may 
be made upon the recommendation of local Leagues through the 
regular lines (that is, through district and Conference organizations) 
to the Board of Control, for consideration and decision. 

4. That the names "Oxford League" and "Wesley League" 
be submitted to eveiy local society for choice, and that a majority of 
these societies determine the name. 

5. The present names of all uniting societies to be used until final 
action of the Board of Control. 

On behalf of the representatives of the Oxford League, 

Robert R. Doherty, Secretary. 

This paper was received and carefully considered. 
At length Rev. C. A. Littiefield introduced this memo- 
rial to the Oxford League delegation : 

Dear Brethren of the Oxford League : The principles upon 
which you agree to form a general organization have been carefully 
considered by us, and we have agreed to adopt them, and in con- 
nection with them present to you the following propositions, upon 
which we will join in a general organization : 

I. The name shall be " The Epworth League." 



40 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



2. The formation of a constitution for local chapters shall be sub- 
mitted to the Board of Control. 

3. Until the Board of Control shall draft and present such a con- 
stitution we shall work under the local Constitution of the Oxford 
League, after it has been verbally amended. 

4. The pledge presented to the Conference by our Committee on 
Local Constitution shall be placed in the By-laws of the Epworth 
League, with a note stating that its use is optional. 

5. The preamble stating the aim of the League reported by the 
Committee on Local Constitution shall be the statement of the aim 
of the Epworth League in the amended Constitution. 

In a few minutes this memorial was adopted. The 
Oxford League delegates, feeling that this action left 
them free to act without violating the instructions of the 
organization which had commissioned them, resumed 
their seats in the Conference. Upon formal motion 
the union of the five societies was effected. Smiles lighted 
up many faces, and tears of gladness and gratitude 
stood in many eyes. That for which so many had 
longed and prayed was at last almost an accomplished 
fact. Was it not enough to thrill every heart with 
joy? 

The local Constitution of the Oxford League was then 
read, and the modifications suggested by the Conference 
were noted by Dr. Hurlbut. 

Upon motion of Dr. Hurlbut, the white ribbon, with a 
scarlet thread running through the center from end to 
end, and which had been adopted as the badge of the 
Young People's Methodist Alliance, was chosen as the 
''colors " of the new League. The question of a badge 
then came up. It was resolved that the Maltese cross, 
with the initials and motto of the League, should be 
adopted. The Maltese cross had been used as a badge 



THE BIRTH OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE. 41 



both by the Oxford League and the Young People's 
Christian League. 

Upon motion of Rev. M. D. Carrel, the motto of the 
Young People's Christian League was selected as the 
motto of the new organization, "Look up; lift up." It 
was also agreed that this sentence from John Wesley, 
used by the Oxford League as a motto, be adopted as a 
sentiment of the Epworth League : " I desire to form a 
league, offensive and defensive, with every soldier of 
Jesus Christ." The forceful words of Bishop Simpson, 
" We live to make our own Church a power in the land, 
while we live to love every other Church that exalts our 
Christ," were also chosen as a sentiment of the League. 

The hour of midnight approached as these final de- 
tails were arranged. It was a memorable hour. It 
would have been difficult to find upon all the earth a 
happier company of men. Congratulations over the re- 
sult of the negotiations were joyfully exchanged. Faces 
were illumined by gladness. " Praise God " was an 
exclamation which fell in all sincerity from many lips. 
Did ever a company of Christians sing the doxology 
with more fervor and meaning? Our brethren had a 
right to be glad, for they had, under God, laid the 
foundations of an institution which was destined to be 
one of the mightiest forces in all the history of the 
Christian Church. 
4 



42 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

INCIDENTS AND IMPRESSIONS OF THE CLEVELAND 
CONFERENCE. 

I. BY REV. HENRY DATE, OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S METH- 
ODIST ALLIANCE. 

A babe cannot be an egotist, therefore it is always in 
order for a growing child to sit for its picture. Pike's 
Peak can be easily photographed, because it long ago 
acquired the habit of standing still. But it takes a sen- 
sitive film, a lightning shutter, and a quick-acting lens 
to sketch the wing of a" humming bird in motion. No 
perfect likeness of the Epworth League will exist until 
the child calms down, ceases to grow, and exchanges 
the restlessness of youth for the quiet of old age. 
While a picture is out of the question, the early im- 
pressions of those who first saw the little one and its 
cradle are in order and of interest. 

Before a panorama of the Battle of Gettysburg stood 
a veteran with an empty coat-sleeve, and beside him 
stood one who was but a boy when Abraham Lincoln 
called for troops. At first the men stood silent while 
memory and art told the story of the conflict. The 
younger man saw the cannons. The older soldier 
heard them. One viewed the scene from the eminence 
of the present. The other retreated down the lane of 
time one quarter of a century, and lived an age in a 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 43 

single day. "That was a great battle," said the youth. 
"Yes," replied the veteran, " it was a great battle. I 
was there." The head lifted ; the eyes sparkled ; the 
face flushed; the empty sleeve shook. Into three 
monosyllables the soldier had thrown the greatest chap- 
ter in the story of his life. 

Four years of to-morrow have sped past to-day and 
into yesterday since the May morning when twenty- 
seven soldiers of the Church militiant surrounded a 
vexed problem, and, after thought, prayer, and praise, 
surrendered each to the other. The conflict was more 
of an Appomattox than a Gettysburg. The contestants 
were not soldiers but peace commissioners. " I was 
there." You have heard it before. You will hear it 
again. Well for at least one that he was there, for, had 
not this " tide in the affairs of men " reached where his 
craft lay stranded, he w % ould have gone down to the 
grave a stranger to fame, and without leaving a single 
footprint on the sands of time. Who of the number 
will live longest to tell the story ? Who one day will be 
left alone ? In years to come who will be led " in age 
and feebleness extreme" to the platform to look into 
the faces of the youth of the next century to whisper 
tremblingly, "I was there?" That day will find Meth- 
odism a unit, and heaven nearer earth than now. 

1. The Epworth League was launched in a stor?n. The 
United States Weather Bureau put out no danger signal, 
but on May 14 and 15, 1889, Cleveland was a storm 
center. The barometer fell ; the elements warred ; 
the atmosphere cleared ; the clouds rolled away ; sun- 
shine came. The men who met to knock away the 
stocks under the crafts to be launched were not lovers 



44 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



at first sight. All came into the ecumenical shipyard 
on probation. No one was at once taken into full con- 
nection. " Blest be the tie that binds " was sung, but it 
would have required a surgical operation to have found 
the tie. A recital of all that transpired during these 
two days would fill a book. The novel, if ever written, 
will be in six chapters: (i) Met; (2) Disagreed; (3) 
Parted; (4) Reflection; (5) Reconciliation; (6) Affil- 
iation. The Epworth League is a continued story. 
Many chapters are yet to follow. No one can tell how 
the tale will end, but it is predicted that the last chap- 
ter will reveal the Methodist youth of all lands and 
climes clasping hands and marching under one com- 
mon standard. 

The smallest man in the convention made the first 
speech. He spoke for the Young People's Methodist 
Alliance, and in three minutes outlined the wishes and 
the attitude of his associates to the question of union. 
The tallest man in the room then arose, and in the 
name of the Oxford League watched the clock for five 
minutes, while he made the most unique speech of the 
day. The speaker started out to go nowhere and 
reached his destination. He essayed to say naught and 
succeeded. His figures were all ciphers. Like Noah's 
dove, he encompassed sea and land, but came home to 
those who watched and waited, with no olive branch to 
show that terra firma, or the main question, had been 
touched. But Robert R. Doherty is one of the 
brainiest and most genial of men. He is a diplomat, 
and those for whom he spoke knew how to play chess. 
An Irish patriot, on the threshold of a great speech, 
passed a portion of the night before walking the 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 45 



floor of his room. Some one passing the door heard 
him pray, " O Lord, on to-morrow teach me what not to 
say." If a similar prayer ascended from a Pullman 
sleeping car at midnight on May 13, 1889, it was 
answered before the noon of the next day. Dr. Hurl- 
but in the afternoon playfully confessed that the 
speech of the morning was part of a program, and 
that now the Oxford League was ready to declare its 
wishes and intentions. It was willing to play Jonah if 
it could be the whale. The affiliation at Cleveland was 
more or less of an absorption, plus a few changes and a 
new name. Going home from Cleveland to Detroit, one 
delegate remarked, " Well, boys, we are going home, and 
have lost all." "No," laughingly replied one in the 
group, "we still have our half-fare railroad passes." 

On the afternoon of the second day the West stood 
on the threshold of the East and waited. Toward even- 
ing the East came to the doorstep of the West and 
was admitted. Love never runs smoothly where the 
motives of love are misunderstood. When heart sees 
heart heads are apt to come together. 

2. The Epworth League was launched by optimists. 
Optimism is a faith. Pessimism is doubt. Thomas was 
a pessimist. Paul was an optimist. Between the two 
was Pentecost. There is but little virtue in blue glass, 
and no virtue in blue people. An optimist is one who 
lives on the sunny side of the street, and whose house is 
built on the promises of God. The men who met in 
conference at Cleveland with the eye of faith saw into 
the future. In no small degree they caught a vision of 
that which is a fact to-day. Each one felt the impor- 
tance of the hour, and well knew that future weal or woe 



46 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



was hanging in the balance of the moment. Henry- 
Clay on Allegheny heights heard not more distinctly the 
footfall of the coming millions than did they. 

3. The Epworth League was lau?iched in a Pentecost. 
The Epworth League was christened by men, but its 
baptism was from above. In the beginning it called on 
the God of Elijah, and toward evening heaven answered 
by fire. Its genesis was a Pentecost. While debate was 
earnest and at times heated, faith and prayer were con- 
stant. James Caughey was once asked the secret of 
his revivals. " Knee work," was his reply. The Ep- 
worth League is the product of petition. On the after- 
noon when the conference divided and fond hopes 
seemed blasted the brethren who remained — and for 
aught we know those who withdrew — went at once to 
their knees for divine guidance. Hearts warmed ; eyes 
filled ; spirits quieted ; debate gave way to trust ; 
faith took hold, and a conviction that all would be 
well came. Again a Methodist classroom was a vesti- 
bule to one of the outer courts of heaven. In the 
abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is tabernacled hope. 
Should he withdraw his presence from the Church her 
bush of fire would become a heap of ashes, and her rock 
of power the resting place of dry bones. 

II. BY REV. JACOB EMBURY PRICE, D.D., OF THE OXFORD 
LEAGUE. 

Our first meeting in Cleveland on the morning of 
May 15, 1889, brought us together from widely sep- 
arated points. It soon appeared that, while there would 
be a clash and conflict of ideas, here was a company of 
earnest Christians and loyal Methodists who were anx- 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 47 



iously seeking some basis for the unification of our young 
people's work. Strangers to each other, we quickly 
realized that we were brethren. 

Was there a spirit or method of diplomacy ? Yes, in 
the noblest sense of that much-abused word. We now 
speak for the Oxford League. We had to do more 
than defend our convictions. We cherished honestly 
the view — though it would have given offense to others 
to assert it strongly — that the Oxford League, indorsed 
by the Board of Bishops and the Sunday School Union, 
really had an official standing and an official connec- 
tion that we could not forget or ignore. By this view of 
our obligation we were bound and restrained to operate 
within fixed lines, and, we suppose, were thought to be 
obstinate. 

Our first desire was to get from our brethren just 
what they wanted, and not to put forward any proposi- 
tion of our own until compelled to do so ; and we were 
then prepared to concede everything we conscientiously 
could. Accordingly, Dr. Doherty was asked to speak 
for us and consume our ten minutes, but to commit us 
to nothing. This he admirably accomplished, though 
it is a difficult thing for one whose mind is so fertile 
with ideas either to speak or to write and say nothing. 

In the distribution of the work the writer was as- 
signed to the Committee on Periodicals, and so had to 
defend in a sturdy way the merits of Our Youth, then 
the organ of the Oxford League. By no means satisfied 
with that excellent paper as an organ for the new or- 
ganization, we were persuaded the time was not yet ripe 
for anything other. We labored with the four other 
members of the committee until they saw the question 



4 8 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



in the same light as ourselves and brought in a favor- 
able report. We are still convinced that this action 
was wise. The Epworth Herald is all the better and 
the more prosperous for the delay until " the fullness of 
times." 

The banquet at the Hollenden on the evening of our 
arrival was a good preparation for our meeting, and, 
like all other work done by Cleveland Methodists, was 
in every way worthy. The convention of Ohio Oxford 
Leagues also contributed its enthusiasm, though having 
no direct connection with our gathering. The with- 
drawal of the Oxford League representatives from the 
convention on the afternoon of the second day is com- 
monly known. This action may have been regarded as 
a coup d'etat. Whatever may be said of it, this much we 
know. In the proceedings of the first day it became 
apparent to us that concessions would be asked which 
we could not conscientiously make. To provide for 
such a contingency, which our representatives thought 
inevitable, we prepared a statement, and in the late 
afternoon of the second day, when the expected crisis 
had come, we asked for a recess. The paper was then 
signed and presented to the Convention, and we with- 
drew. Fortunately, the concessions asked were subse- 
quently modified. We again met, reached a common 
ground, and then followed a love feast as delightful as 
any held for a hundred years. 

Looking back now, we cannot but feel that we were 
divinely guided. The Oxford League representatives 
made very large demands in that they asked for the 
adoption of the local Constitution of the Oxford League 
and insisted upon official control through the Board of 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 49 



Bishops, the Sunday School Union, and the Tract So- 
ciety. That these demands were very unacceptable to 
other societies we can well understand. Still, they con- 
ceded them finally, and in a brotherly spirit. Their 
action deserves the lasting gratitude of the Church, for 
thus they made possible the Epworth League. 

On the other hand, we are sure our firmness was mis- 
taken for obstinacy, and very naturally so. Our breth- 
ren could not feel as we felt the pressure of responsi- 
bility arising from what we apprehended as an official 
relation. This we could not sacrifice. We felt the 
odium that must attach to our course in the eyes of 
other representatives, but our duty was plain. We now 
believe that in this we too were divinely aided. Offi- 
cial connection was secured for the new organization, 
and this was of incalculable advantage in the conflicts 
it had to face. At once it was given the right of way — 
a priority over other societies. Besides, in its infancy 
it had thus secured to it a home and a support. It 
was not burdened with financial responsibility. Its ex- 
penses were met without embarrassment. For its pro- 
motion it must develop and train its own workers and 
speakers ; and how grandly it rose to the occasion we 
all know. In every presiding elder the League soon 
found a friend, and in every district it found orators 
ready to champion its cause, so that when at last, grown 
to enormous proportions, it must have a general secre- 
tary of its own, it was wisely said his most important 
work would after all be, not so much that of the plat- 
form as that of the office, in the preparation of litera- 
ture and the administration of the organization. 

The future career and the character of the Epworth 



four wonderful; years. 



League were really foreshadowed in that famous Cleve- 
land meeting. There the devotional spirit was domi- 
nant. To our mind, as we now recall those scenes, 
nothing could be more impressive than the frequent 
pauses in the deliberations that time might be given to 
prayer. Turning from the perplexing problems under 
discussion, again and again those earnest seekers for 
truth and light fell upon their knees and appealed to 
the great Head of the Church for wisdom and guidance 
in the shaping of issues which all felt must prove mo- 
mentous. 

In that little frame building — that little church edi- 
fice destined to a singular renown — the Epworth League 
was born amid those same spiritual influences that have 
marked its triumphal way. In its aspiration for conse- 
crated culture, in its evangelistic spirit, in its looking 
up in order to lift up, its combination of aspiration and 
service, this youthful organization bears unmistakable 
marks of its alleged maternity. A true daughter of 
Methodism, the Epworth League has a right to the 
family name. 

III. BY REV. CHARLES A. LITTLEFIELD, OF THE YOUNG 
PEOPLE'S CHRISTIAN LEAGUE. 

The men of the Cleveland conference impressed me. 
They were a guarantee against ill-advised action. Young, 
old; progressive, conservative; theoretical, practical. All 
were spiritual; some intensely, some conservatively, but 
all sincerely. There were business men of sagacity, 
generosity, and demonstrated worth to the Church. 
There were " evangelists, pastors, and teachers." Their 
gifts were as diversified as their callings. There were 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 5 I 



keenness of insight, practical prudence, knowledge of 
men and of measures; those who could plan, those who 
could execute; those who could see the needs of the 
hour, those who could quickly reduce them to proposi- 
tions. There were conscientiousness, industry, serious- 
ness, joviality, philosophy, and wit. There were un- 
mistakably those who had the "gift of tongues," but all 
had the supreme gift of love, manifested in this — 
being strongly tested it never failed. The spirit of 
the memorable conference was manifestly prophetic. I 
think no member present — whether his own peculiar 
views were accepted or not, whether the final organiza- 
tion exactly suited him or not — escaped the impression, 
at the time, that that conference had given birth to a 
great movement. 

One of the most important questions to be decided 
by the conference was that of name. To delineate, to 
designate, to suggest, to invite — these were necessary 
functions, of a well-chosen name. " Epworth " is happy 
in all these functions. But this fortunate name was not 
chosen without much deliberation and difficulty. The 
writer was a member of the committee on "names," and 
ventures to give some of the facts not clearly brought 
out in the published records. The best report that the 
committee were able to make was that we had agreed 
as to the name "League," but could not agree on 
an adjective. A majority, however, favored " Wesley 
League." This the writer urgently opposed, believing 
that a better name could be chosen, though as yet no 
name had been suggested to which he would have given 
his support on a final vote. On receiving this report the 
conference went into a committee of the whole for the 



52 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



consideration of a name. During the discussion which 
followed, in some remarks by Robert R. Doherty, 
in an attempt to say " Oxford League and Epworth 
Hymnal," by a slip of the tongue he said " Oxford 
Hymnal and Epworth League." This funny exchange 
of adjectives raised a laugh, and apparently no more was 
thought of it except that the brother sitting by my side 
(Rev. J. S. Reager) and I exchanged a word of comment 
upon it in which it was remarked that " Epworth 
League " would not be a bad name. From that moment 
" Epworth League " satisfied my hitherto unsatisfied 
intuitions as to a name. From that moment I felt con- 
fident that the final outcome would be that " Epworth 
League " would be chosen to designate the name of our 
organization. At that point adjournment was taken for 
dinner. On the way to dinner I called the attention of 
my colleagues, Brothers Haven and Odell, to " Epworth 
League " as a name, and declared to them my purpose 
immediately on the opening of the afternoon session to 
gain the floor and earnestly advocate its adoption. This 
I did in a speech of about five minutes. Ten other 
speeches followed, in which " Epworth " received some 
support but much opposition. An informal vote was 
then taken, and, to the surprise of many, while "Wesley 
League " received a plurality, having twelve votes, 
" Epworth " came next, with nine. It was then voted 
that the name "Wesley League" be recommended, and 
the committee of the whole rose. After an earnest dis- 
cussion the recommendation was adopted, and "W T esley 
League " was chosen as the name of the proposed 
society. The question of a name was then supposed to 
be settled, but a strange intuition still clung to me that 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 53 



" Ep worth " was yet to be the name. As the afternoon 
wore away, and the evening came, and troubled seas 
were about us, hardly any word was uttered, but there 
was an apparent undercurrent of growing dissatisfaction 
with the name which had been selected. And yet it 
seemed to be taken for granted that it must stand. But 
when, in the evening session, the clouds hung heaviest 
it occurred to me to formulate the prevailing sentiment, 
as to certain differences, into a series of propositions, 
upon the basis of which an organization could be per- 
fected. The first of these five propositions boldly 
declared, in the face of the name already selected, that 
the name of our organization should be the " Epworth 
League." Immediately upon the presentation of these 
propositions it was apparent that they met with favor, 
and especially the one in reference to a name. A recess 
of five minutes was taken for informal talk, at the 
expiration of which the propositions were unanimously 
adopted "in toto," and Epworth League was our name. 
From this point the work of organization was easy, 
rapid, and soon completed. 

At the outset of the conference it was agreed that a 
representative of each of the five societies should present 
its scheme for a basis of union. The societies were 
called upon in order of their organization. Henry Date 
reported for the Alliance : (1) Uniform Constitution ; 
(2) Autonomy; (3) A strong spiritual element. Robert 
R. Doherty, for the Oxford League, reported that the 
"representatives of the League were unable as yet to 
make suggestions for the proposed union." W. I. 
Haven, President of the Christian League, reported for 
us of New England. The subject-matter of his report 



54 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



had been carefully talked over and agreed upon by 
Brothers Haven, Odell, and myself on our way to Cleve- 
land. But not one principle was held by us other than 
to be conceded if necessary to organization. The 
recommendations were : " ( i ) Publishing interests 
centered in New York; (2) General organization 
centered in New York; (3) General secretary to be the 
Corresponding Secretary of the Sunday School Union; 
(4) General Conference district organizations — to a large 
degree autonomous — these to elect two delegates to a 
convention to be held quadrennially at the seat of the 
General Conference; (5) Local Constitution with and 
without Pledge; (6) Board of Control, composed of dele- 
gates from General Conference districts, of bishops and 
others." This was a more detailed outline than any 
other delegation presented, and contained substantially 
all that others subsequently suggested, except as to 
minor details. These propositions were not contended 
for by us. 

I do not think that it particularly occurred to any 
one of our delegation whether or not we were get- 
ting what we had suggested. The final result, how- 
ever, showed that the organization of the " Epworth 
League," when all were in agreement, and all seemed 
measurably satisfied, was substantially an indorsement 
and incorporation of these principles. I speak of this 
simply to show that in point of fact at the outset we 
were all there to seek union upon the same principles. 
What did not appear at first became clearly manifest in 
the end, and the organization of the u Epworth League " 
was quickly, harmoniously, and, we believe, providen- 
tially effected. 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 55 



IV. BY REV. SAMUEL PLANTZ, PH.D., OF THE METHODIST 
YOUNG PEOPLE'S UNION. 

It was a quiet gathering, that Cleveland conference. 
It came together unheralded, and departed almost un- 
noticed. Even the church press was disposed to ignore 
it. After it was over a bishop said in our hearing that 
it was " the weakest and silliest thing ever done in 
Methodism." Many felt it had overstepped its author- 
ity. But there was destiny in it. 

As we look back upon the conference we are im- 
pressed with the excellence of its personnel. All pres- 
ent had given long and thoughtful study to the 
question of young people's societies, and had been per- 
sonally identified with previous movements, having in 
several cases proposed their plan of organization. 
While the majority were young and full of enthusiasm, 
there was a sufficient number of men of maturer years to 
give the meeting ballast. The clergy predominated, but 
the laity had strong representatives of the opinions of 
the whole Church. All proved themselves men of fine 
Christian spirit and no small degree of self-control. 
Two showed that they were possessed of rare diplomatic 
skill and knew just when to pour oil upon the troubled 
waters. Once when the convention had broken up, and 
fire was beginning to show in some eyes, the day was 
saved by one of these brethren moving that we pray. 
An hour of knee work smoothed antagonisms, and out 
of it came the Epworth League. And here is the 
pleasantest memory we have of the conference, namely, 
that when one of the delegations withdrew those who 
remained did not rashly unite without them, but pro- 



56 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



ceeded to ask the Lord to unravel the tangle into 
which things had become involved. 

Another thing which impresses us in retrospect is 
that the conference knew at the moment it was called 
to order just what it wanted to do. Its work was not 
hazy, undefined, and in the mists. All had been intelli- 
gently thought out, the attitude of the delegations had 
evidently been agreed upon, and the disposition was 
present to grapple with the difficulties in a spirit of fair- 
ness to all concerned. A union everyone was deter- 
mined to have. While one delegation seemed to some to 
wish to have this union effected on the basis with which 
the cat unites with the mouse, still, unless nearly all 
had been ready to sacrifice almost everything for which 
they had previously contended, they could not possibly 
have come together. We are sure, also, that every mem- 
ber present fully realized the importance of what was 
being done. He felt that the good of Methodism de- 
manded the consolidation of its young people's organi- 
zations. Otherwise money would be uselessly expended, 
strife engendered, and the unity of the Church affected. 
Moreover, he knew that at no other time could the union 
be so easily accomplished, as the societies were rapidly 
growing and becoming more intrenched. He knew, 
also, the criticisms that would follow the conference. 
This made the sessions intense in interest and sense of 
responsibility. We have been asked if the Cleveland 
conference had any idea of the greatness of the move- 
ment it was inaugurating. We think it did, and do not 
believe that the growth of the Epworth League has 
been any greater than most present expected it to be. 

Again, in reviewing those days of earnest work we are 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 57 



likewise impressed with the fact that nearly all those 
things for which the majority contended, but which 
were finally surrendered to consummate the union, have 
since become accomplished facts. Some of these things 
were : What should constitute the Board of Control ? 
Should the League have an organ separate from Our 
Youth ? Should a secretary be elected separate from 
the Secretary of the Sunday School Union ? Should 
headquarters be established in the West ? Should not 
the finances of the League be secured from the profits 
of its publications ? If the voice of the majority had 
ruled in the Cleveland conference we should have had 
at the start the Epworth League almost as it is to- 
day ; and one of the things that surprises us in looking 
backward is that in so brief a conference so great an 
organization could have been planned so well. We 
also think that the slower process by which some of 
these things have been secured has been for the best. 

In conclusion let me say that as one of the participants 
in the Cleveland conference I am rejoiced to see that our 
young people are so fully realizing its ideals. They are 
keeping it as it was intended to be, an emphatically 
religious organization, and at the same time are finding 
in it a source of pure social life and intellectual culture. 
I feel confident that in centuries to come Methodism 
will find the League a strong right arm of power. 

V. BY REV. J. S. REAGER, OF THE NORTH OHIO CONFER- 
ENCE METHODIST EPISCOPAL ALLIANCE. 

On the morning of May 14, 1889, there assembled in 
Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Cleveland, O., 
representatives from the various young people's so- 



58 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



cieties throughout our great denomination. They met 
for a purpose ; they were moved by an all-conquering 
love. All saw the need of a great spiritual and spiritu- 
alizing organization for young Methodists. They talked 
together as brothers and prayed with and for each 
other as those who loved the Lord Jesus. 

There comes over me as I write the impressions of 
that first hour of devotion before we entered upon the 
important business that was to occupy our undivided 
attention till far into the night of the 15th. Mingled 
with our devotion was a kind of gladiatorial spirit that 
could be read in the faces and felt in the bearing of 
men who felt the burden of personal responsibility as 
representatives of organizations that had already 
achieved large success and gave promise for increased 
usefulness in the future. 

There were Doherty and Hurlbut, with their coad- 
jutors, Freeman, Docking, and Price, champions of 
Oxford, with its high scholastic ideas and its purpose 
for an all-round culture, and with them stood Helman 
with his perfected machinery by which the " Oxford 
idea " was projected with new and conquering impulse 
upon the Church. I recall with admiration the fidelity 
of these able champions. Then there were Cooper, 
Carrel, Cogshall, Date, Heald, and Keen, in royal armor 
as the advocates of the Young People's Methodist Alli- 
ance, which stood for the highest measure of spiritual 
experience and the most knightly loyalty to church 
discipline. Then there was the unconquerable but 
sweetly submissive trio of the Young People's Christian 
League — Haven, Odell, and Littlefield. Earnestly they 
represented and advocated their society, and as grace- 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 59 



fully consented that all should be absorbed to appear in 
the grander union which their faith saw as the outcome 
of this conference. " The Methodist Young People's 
Union" was borne upon the banners of six men who 
would be knightly champions of any noble cause — 
Washburn, Jacklin, Spencer, Smart, Plantz, and Morgan. 
Easily all hearts warmed toward these brethren who 
were there in the broad interests of a common Method- 
ism and wanted the grace and wisdom of the confer- 
ence to crystallize in a union cultured and spiritual 
enough to embrace universal Methodism. The North 
Ohio Conference Methodist Episcopal Alliance was 
born for consolidation. Whatever might be the con- 
summated union, the object of its existence would be 
accomplished. The representatives of this society were 
evenly divided in favor of an enlarged Oxford League 
and of a readjusted society in which all old forms and 
names should be absorbed. Hoadley, Mills, and War- 
ner were strongly wedded to Oxford ; Reeder, Badgley, 
and the writer had nothing to contend for but the 
union of all Methodism under one name and banner. 

It is pleasant after four years of test and triumph to 
recall the scenes of those memorable days. We seemed 
at times to be at polar distances from each other, but a 
song and prayer would eliminate space and bring us 
heart to heart again. There were two things noticeable 
throughout the deliberations, and by which I was deeply 
impressed. First, the intense earnestness of every dele- 
gate. There appeared to be conviction upon every 
heart that the final action was to be of far-reaching and 
vital importance to Methodism. Second, the fairness 
of statement and the charity in discussion. There 



6o 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



seemed to be no hidden purpose in the heart of any 
delegate. All was frankness, though there were widely 
divergent views as to methods. There was absolute 
freedom from acrimony ; all debate was in the sweetest 
charity. When the friends of the Oxford League, feel- 
ing that they had gone as far in concessions as their 
honest convictions would permit, withdrew from the 
deliberations, there was not a word of censure or bitter- 
ness from either side. Those who remained went at 
once into a committee of the whole to besiege the 
throne of grace for guidance. I can never forget that 
prayer meeting. As I look at the wonderful results 
of these four years of Epworth League history I am 
constrained to believe that in the heart throes of that 
hour God bowed the heavens and came down to set his 
seal upon the brotherly fidelity of his servants. When 
after a brief counsel all came together once more a con- 
summation was immediately reached. Who of all that 
company can doubt that it was God's immediate answer 
to prayer ? 

The incident of the name was peculiar, and I think 
providential. This was a hotly contested point. Ox- 
ford's friends held stoutly for a continuance of this 
honor, while many of us felt that a new name would 
bear with it more enthusiasm. One name after another 
had been suggested, but no agreement had been reached. 
Noon adjournment was upon us, and a vote was about 
to be taken on several names. Dr. Doherty, as an advo- 
cate for Oxford, in closing a brief speech, by a lapsus 
lingua spoke of the " Oxford Hymnal," which by con- 
trast suggested to me Epworth League. This I at once 
proposed as the name most appropriate because nearest 



INCIDENTS OF THE CLEVELAND CONFERENCE. 6 1 

the life of our great founder; later on this name was 
adopted with practical unanimity. 

My faith now is that the entire result was of divine 
direction. If our Epworth League holds to its aims, 
" the highest New Testament standard of Christian 
experience," and a roundly cultivated manhood and 
womanhood, and continues to look up and lift up, most 
glorious results will follow for Christ and the Church. 
The members of this conference will by and by hold a 
jubilee in heaven, and with a united Methodism on 
earth and in glory give honor and praise to our blessed 
Lord for the spirit of wisdom and brotherliness by 
which the League was formed to bless the world. 



62 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER V. 
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF CONTROL. 

The Board of Control met for the first time at Chicago 
on February 6, 1890. The meeting attracted wide at- 
tention. Many eager spectators were present at the 
various sessions. Some new faces appeared. Several 
familiar ones were missing. Dr. Jesse L. Hurlbut called 
the meeting to order, and Dr. W. H. W. Rees, of Iowa, 
was chosen scribe. Then followed a season of devotion. 
The appointment of committees came next. Later the 
Committee on Permanent Organization reported the 
name of Bishop James N. FitzGerald for president and 
that of Dr. W. H. W. Rees for secretary. The Com- 
mittee on Credentials recognized the following mem- 
bers of the Board : 

Appointed by the bishops : Bishop J. N. FitzGerald, 
Rev. W. H. W. Rees, D.D., Rev. M. D. Carrel, Rev. A. 
H. Gillet, D.D., Rev. W. I. Haven. Appointed by the 
Sunday School Union : Rev. J. L. Hurlbut, D.D., Rob- 
ert R. Doherty, Ph.D., B. E. Helman, Rev. F. Mason 
North, Rev. Crandall J. North. Appointed by the 
Tract Society: Rev. J. M. Freeman, D.D., Rev. J. T. 
Docking, John Bentley, Rev. E. S. Osbon, D.D., Rev. 
J. E. Price, D.D. Elected from the General Conference 
districts : First District — William Flanders, Rev. J. W. 
Dearborn ; Second District — Rev. J. H. Coleman, D.D., 
Richard Lavery ; Third and Fourth Districts unrep- 



FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF CONTROL. 63 



resented ; Fifth District — O. L. Doty, C. H. Moore ; 
Sixth District — Rev. Vaughan S. Collins, Rev. L. E. 
Prentiss, D.D.; Seventh District— Rev. H. J. Talbott, 
D.D. ; Eighth District— Rev. Arthur Edwards, D.D., 
W. W. Cooper ; Ninth District— Rev. T. McK. Stuart, 
D.D., Rev. H. C. Jennings ; Tenth District — B. L. Paine, 
M.D., Rev. D. C. Winship ; Eleventh District unrepre- 
sented; Twelfth District — Rev. J. B. Young, D.D., Rev. 
Frank Lenig; Thirteenth District unrepresented ; Four- 
teenth District— Rev. G. L. Cole, Rollo V. Watt. 

On recommendation of the committee Rev. Henry 
Liebhart, D.D., of the Thirteenth District, Rev. I. B. 
Scott, D.D., of the Eleventh District, and Rev. C. E. 
Bacon were permitted to engage in the deliberations of 
the body. Reports were made by the corresponding 
secretary, which showed clearly that the work of or- 
ganization had been progressing rapidly, and that the 
League was meeting with a cordial reception in all sec- 
tions of the Church. Committees were constituted as 
follows : 1. Committee on Constitution of the Board of 
Control— J. E. Price, J. L. Hurlbut, L. E. Prentiss, M. 
D. Carrel, J. T. Docking, H. C. Jennings, C. J. North, 

G. L. Cole. 2. Committee on Local Chapter Constitu- 
tion — W. I. Haven, Robert R. Doherty, W. W. Cooper, 

A. H. Gillet, O. L. Doty. 3. Committee on Finance — 

B. L. Paine, T. McK. Stuart, Richard Lavery, R. V. 
Watt, John Bentley. 4. Committee on Literature — Ar- 
thur Edwards, W. H. W. Rees, E. S. Osbon, V. S. Col- 
lins, C. H. Moore, J. B. Young. 5. Committee on Rela- 
tion to Other Young People's Societies — J. W. Dearborn, 

H. J. Talbott, W. M. Flanders, J. L. Hurlbut. 

The Committee on Constitution presented its report, 



6 4 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



and after much discussion and no little modification it 
was adopted. The Constitution read as follows : 

Article I. Na?ne, — This organization shall be known as the 
Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Article II. Object. — The object of this organization is to pro- 
mote an earnest, intelligent, practical, and loyal piety in the young 
members and friends of the Church ; to aid them in constant growth 
in grace and in the attainment of purity of heart. 

Article III. Membership. — Any young people's society in the 
Methodist Episcopal Church may become a chapter of the Epworth 
League, provided that it adopts the aims and general plans of the 
League, that its president and officers and methods of works are 
approved by the pastor and official board or Quarterly Conference, 
on being enrolled at the central office. 

Article IV. Government. — The Epworth League shall be gov- 
erned by a Board of Control to be chosen as follows : Five members to 
be appointed by the Board of Bishops ; five members to be appointed 
by the Board of Managers of the Sunday School Union, of whom the 
Corresponding Secretary of the Union shall be one ; five members by 
the Board of Managers of the Tract Society ; and two members from 
each General Conference district, these members to be chosen as the 
organization in each General Conference district may desire. All 
the members of this board shall continue in office for the term of two 
years or until their successors are elected. The Board of Control 
shall meet annually at such time and place as it shall designate at its 
previous session. 

Article V. Officers. — The officers of the General League shall 
be a corresponding secretary, a recording secretary, and a treasurer. 
There shall also be an Executive Committee of seven, three of whom 
shall be the officers named. At least four of the seven shall be 
chosen from the representatives of the Board of Control from the 
General Conference districts, all these officers and members of the 
Executive Committee to be elected by ballot by the Board of Control 
at each annual meeting. 

Article VI. Amendments. — This Constitution maybe amended 
at any annual meeting of the Board of Control by a two-thirds vote 
of those present and voting, notice having been given three months 



FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF CONTROL. 65 



previously to the Executive Committee and published in the organ of 
the Epworth League. 

The next report of especial interest was that on liter- 
ature. It read as follows : 

The Epworth League, which has two thousand chapters and over 
one hundred thousand members, thinks it ought to have an organ. 
Though the friends of our various church papers may suggest that 
these papers can meet the wants of the churches as to Epworth news 
and discussion, the League's thorough persuasion that a special organ 
is needed is beyond controversy, and there is nothing of wisdom left 
but to proceed to supply that inevitable want. The expression of 
the desire is general that this General Board of Control should pro- 
ceed to supply the need. The present organ is Our Youth, printed 
in New York. It is only frank and accurate to say that this paper 
in its present form and proportions and plans is an inadequate mouth- 
piece for a League of these proportions. If it is proposed to modify 
Our Youth we must begin by changing its name and elevating the 
muzzles of its guns so that it may reach young people older by sev- 
eral years than are that paper's present readers. Our organ should 
contain more space, and its general make-up should be utterly 
changed. 

We suggest that the new paper should cost less. Its maximum 
price for a single copy should not be more than $1, and when 
taken in clubs sent to one address each increase of ten subscribers 
should reduce the price one dime, thus : One copy should be $1; ten 
copies should be 90 cents ; twenty copies should be 80 cents ; thirty 
copies should be 70 cents ; forty copies should be 60 cents ; fifty 
copies should be 50 cents. At this point the reduction should stop, 
lest some eager agent should procure a club of one hundred and claim 
that at that rate the paper should be sent gratis. 

This committee is persuaded that the paper ordained as the organ 
of the League should be chiefly given over to League affairs. There 
ought not to be a minimum space allowed to our work, but there 
should, on the contrary, be included full news from fellow League 
workers, and abundant space for articles and quotations from allied 
literature, so that readers may feel that they are placed in contact 



66 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



each week with the consecrated brain and heart of all who are labor- 
ing on parallel lines in sister Churches. 

We heartily hope that our organ may be issued by the Book Con- 
cern, which is able to pay the bills during the youth of the enterprise, 
and which is already in communication with the Church's ministerial 
agents in the East, West, North, and South. While the paper is 
struggling to its " paying basis " it can be fostered by those who have 
learned the secret of compelling publishing success. As a corollary, 
we are willing that when the organ of this League reaches a paying 
point the profits shall go into the superannuate fund for the support 
of worn-out preachers and their dependent families. We shall hail 
the day when this League is glorified by sharing in the support of 
our disabled fathers in the ministry. In that one respect we antedate 
the day when our young people may be exalted by association with 
older members of our Church in caring for our beloved pulpit pioneers. 

With this understanding we suggest that a memorial be sent to our 
Publishing Committee, which meets in New York next week. We 
recommend that that body be requested to authorize our book agents 
to supply us an organ after the pattern sketched in this report. It is 
our hope that the paper finally fixed upon shall be based on the paper 
known as Our Youth, after its name has been changed and its scope 
widened, or that an utterly new paper be authorized in order to meet 
the needs and desires of our rapidly growing Epworth host. We 
particularly hope that the new organ may appear without unnecessary 
delay. This is the precious planting-time of Epworth seed. We are 
unwilling to make needless experiments or to take on further trial 
appliances which are already proven inadequate. If we can have a 
prompt, roomy, enthusiastic, and adequate organ we hereby pledge 
to it our unqualified and undivided support and advocacy and grati- 
tude. We desire to have a connectional and loyal Methodist League 
and organ of the League. We hope for two thousand more chapters, 
and more than one hundred thousand more members, in the near 
futm^e. By hard work and unflagging zeal we hope to give the new 
paper fifty thousand subscribers before the next General Conference 
session. Until the paper is established we cannot prescribe as to its 
editorship. As to that point we are willing to leave the editorial 
administration in the hands of the Book Committee, knowing that 
our voice in the future will be regarded fraternally and effectually. 



FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF CONTROL. 67 



A committee, consisting of Revs. Arthur Edwards, T. 
McK. Stuart, J. E. Price, C. J. North, and W. I. Haven, 
was requested to present the memorial of the Literature 
Committee to the Book Committee. 

The election of officers resulted in the choice of Dr. 
Hurlbut as corresponding secretary, Robert R. Doherty 
as recording secretary, Dr. Freeman as treasurer; and 
these three, together with W. W. Cooper, Dr. Prentiss, 
O. L. Doty, and Dr. Edwards, were constituted an Ex- 
ecutive Committee. 

The candid utterance of the Board of Control on the 
relation of the Epworth League to other young people's 
societies was significant, especially in the light of later 
developments. The report of the committee adopted 
by the Board read : 

The Epworth League had its origin in the conviction that the 
various young people's societies of the Church should be united in 
one organization. Its scheme of work has been made large enough 
to comprehend all forms of Christian activity. We therefore recom- 
mend that all literary, social, and religious societies of young people 
now in existence in our Church merge themselves into the Epworth 
League, and that every such society continue its special work through 
that department of the League under which it would properly fall. 

We cordially recognize the efficient work of the societies of Chris- 
tian Endeavor and other similar organizations. W T e disclaim any 
purpose of antagonism. We seek rather that efficiency that comes 
in the use of our own Church methods. We would join hands with 
them all in the training and leadership of young minds in aggressive 
work for our one Master. To this end we recommend that our 
Leagues seek such cooperation with all other Christian societies of 
young people in systematic visitation of the unchurched and poor, in 
temperance and other reforms which may require division of labor or 
united effort. 

We recommend the appointment of a fraternal delegate to the 
Epworth League of the Methodist Church of Canada. 



68 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



We recommend the appointment of a committee of five which shall 
seek the appointment of committees from similar societies who shall 
arrange for an interdenominational conference of young people's 
societies. 

In obedience to the recommendations of this commit- 
tee W. W. Cooper was chosen fraternal delegate to the 
Epworth League of Canada, and Dr. J. B. Young to the 
Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. Drs. 
Hurlbut and Young were appointed a committee on an 
international conference. 

The report of the Committee on Local Constitution 
precipitated a spirited discussion, but after the smoke 
of battle had cleared away it was found that the original 
plan of the committee was not seriously modified. The 
local Constitution as finally adopted read as follows: 

Article I. Name. — This organization shall be known as the 

Epworth League of the , Methodist Episcopal Church of , 

and shall be subordinate to the Quarterly Conference of said Church, 
and a chapter of the Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Article II. Object. — The object of the League is to promote in- 
telligent and loyal piety in the young members and friends of the 
Church ; to aid them in the attainment of purity of heart and in con- 
stant growth in grace, and to train them in works of mercy and help. 

Article III. Membership. — I. Members shall be constituted by 
election of the chapter, on nomination of the president, after ap- 
proval by the cabinet. 2. The pastor shall be ex officio a member 
of the chapter and the cabinet. 3. Wherever a chapter decides, 
there shall be two classes of members, active and associate. Active 
members shall, in addition to election as provided in Section I, sub- 
scribe to the following pledge : 

I will earnestly seek for myself, and do what I can to help others attain, the 
highest New Testament standard of experience and life. I will abstain from all 
those forms of worldly amusement forbidden by the Discipline of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and I will attend, so far as possible, the religious meetings of 
the chapter and the church, and take some active part in them. 



FIRST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF CONTROL. 69 



Active members only shall be eligible to election as officers of the 
chaptei. Associate members shall be entitled to all other privileges 
of membership. 

Article IV. Departments. — The work of the League shall be 
carried on through six departments, as follows: I. Department of 
Christian Work. 2. Department of Mercy and Help. 3. Depart- 
ment of Literary Work. 4. Department of Entertainment. 5. De- 
partment of Correspondence. 6. Department of Finance. The dis- 
tribution of work under each department shall be as follows : I. 
Department of Christian Work : (a) Young people's prayer meeting; 

(b) spiritual welfare of members ; (c) Christian work among the 
young ; (d) Sunday-school interests ; (<?) missionary work ; (/) open- 
air meetings. 2. Department of Mercy and Flelp: (<?) Systematic 
visitation ; (b) temperance ; (<r) tract distribution ; (d) Junior League 
work; (e) home mission work; (f) social purity; (g) employment 
bureau. 3. Department of Literary Work : (ci) Bible study ; (b) 
lectures and literaiy work ; (c) lyceums, libraries, and educational 
work ; (d) church literature; (e) Epworth League readings; (/) C. L. 
S. C. readings. 4. Department of Entertainment : (a) Reception and 
introduction of members ; (b) socials and social entertainments ; (c) 
music for all meetings ; (d) excursions and picnics ; (e) amusements 
for all meetings ; (/) badges and signals. 5. Department of Corre- 
spondence : (a) All records ; (b) correspondence with central office ; 

(c) correspondence with absent members ; (d) historical and other 
statistics ; (e) record of literary work. 6. Department of Finance : 
(a) All regular finance ; (b) expenses of all departments ; (c) collec- 
tion of dues ; (d) raising funds ; (e) expenditures. 

Article V. Officers. — I. The officers shall be a president, secre- 
tary, treasurer, first vice president, second vice president, third vice 
president, and fourth vice president. 2. The president, who shall 
be a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, shall be elected 
by ballot on a majority vote. The other officers shall be members 
of the Methodist Episcopal or some other evangelical Church, and 
shall be elected in the same manner. 3. All officers must be ap- 
proved by the Quarterly Conference or the official board. 4. After 
approval by the Quarterly Conference or official board the names 
of the officers, with their addresses, shall be promptly forwarded to 
the central office of the Epworth League. 5. The officers shall per- 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



form the duties usually assigned to such officers. They shall also, 
in the order named, represent and have charge of the Departments 
of Correspondence, Finance, Christian Work, Mercy and Help, Lit- 
erary Work, and Entertainment. They shall, together with the 
president, constitute the cabinet of the chapter, aiding the president 
as he may request. 6. For the purpose of enlisting all in the work 
and rendering it more effective, the cabinet shall assign each mem- 
ber to at least one department of work. Each cabinet officer shall 
name to the chapter a committee of from three to five members for 
the management of his department, the officer being ex officio chair- 
man. 

Article VI. Meetings. — The chapter shall hold a devotional 

meeting on evening of each week, to be led by one of the 

members of the chapter under the direction of the Committee on 
Christian Work. Other meetings shall be held as the cabinet may 
arrange for them. 

Article VII. By-laws and Amendments. — The chapter may 
adopt such by-laws consistent with the Constitution as may be 
needed. Amendments to Constitution or By-laws must be submit- 
ted in writing to the cabinet, and when approved by it may be 
adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular meeting. 

The meeting lasted two days. On the evening of 
the second day a mass meeting was held in the audi- 
torium of First Church. Bishop FitzGerald presided 
and delivered a thoughtful, vigorous address. Dr. J. 
L. Hurlbut, Dr. W. H. W. Rees, Rev. W. I. Haven, and 
Rev. M. D. Carrel also spoke briefly. The Board ad- 
journed to meet in St. Louis, on May 14, 1891. 



STARTING " THE EPWORTH HERALD." J I 



CHAPTER VI. 
STARTING "THE EPWORTH HERALD." 

Reference has been made in the previous chapter to 
the action of the Board of Control upon the question of 
an official League paper. No sketch of the beginnings 
of the League movement would be complete without 
some reference to the launching of our organ. 

Our Youth had for several years been the young peo- 
ple's paper of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. 
John H. Vincent was its first editor, and after his elec- 
tion to the episcopacy Dr. Jesse L. Hurlbut succeeded 
to the tripod. It was a handsome, illustrated weekly of 
sixteen pages, and was edited with recognized ability. 
During its later years the paper devoted a good deal of 
space to the Oxford League, and when the Epvvorth 
League was formed it immediately gave the new organ- 
ization proper prominence and support. Its homilies on 
the topics for the devotional meeting were exceptionally 
good. Much interesting news was gathered from the 
new chapters then rapidly springing up. Admirable 
suggestions for departmental work were also furnished 
from week to week. But a conviction that a paper of 
somewhat larger size, whose pages should be wholly de- 
voted to the interests of the League, became general. 
It was emphasized by conventions in ringing resolutions. 
The sentiment was voiced by the Church press. Cor- 
respondents described at length and with great minute- 



72 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



ness of detail just what kind of an organ the League 
should have. The correspondents did not agree in 
their ideals, but the publication of their views gave ma- 
terial aid to the projectors of the new enterprise. 

The Book Committee met at New York on the sec- 
ond Wednesday of February, 1890. The special com- 
mittee representing the Board of Control appeared be- 
fore the body, and made known the wishes of the Board 
concerning a paper. The committee was received with 
great courtesy, and the question which it presented re- 
ceived patient consideration. It was decided to dis- 
continue the publication of Our Youth after the 1st of 
June following, and substitute a paper to be published 
at Chicago. The details connected with the launching 
of the paper, its size and price, the election of an editor, 
etc., were referred to the Western section of the Book 
Committee and the W 7 estern publishing agents. 

A call for a meeting was immediately issued, and the 
Western section convened at Chicago on March 5. 
The questions involved were thoroughly canvassed. Dr. 
W. P. Stowe, then publishing agent at Chicago, had pre- 
pared a "dummy" showing a paper of sixteen pages 
somewhat larger than those of Our Youth, and a weekly 
of this size and style was soon decided upon. But what 
should the infant be named? That question was not 
so easily answered. Various cognomens were suggested. 
Some one proposed The Epworth News. Another 
thought that The Epworth Standard would be a name 
around which the young people would be likely to rally. 
Still another thought it would be well to give to the 
new paper an orthodox Methodist name by calling it 
The Epworth Advocate. But Dr. Stowe had the words 



STARTING " THE EPWORTH HERALD." 73 



The Epworth Herald printed in plain black letters 
across the front page of his " dummy," and the adoption 
of this name he earnestly advocated. His logic, or en- 
thusiasm, or both, proved effective, and the publishers 
were authorized to fling the name The Epworth Herald 
to the breeze. 

The price at which the new paper should be published 
occasioned a spirited discussion. The Board of Con- 
trol had asked for a paper at $1 per year, with graded 
reductions for clubs of different dimensions. But it was 
thought that such a paper as had been decided upon 
could not be profitably published at that figure. So the 
rate was fixed at $1.50 for single subscriptions ; $1 
when sent in clubs of ten ; and 80 cents when supplied 
in quantities of twenty-five or more. As the reader al- 
ready knows, the price to single subscribers was reduced 
to $1 at the close of the first year. At this rate it is 
perhaps the cheapest paper of its grade in the world. 

The selection of an editor next received attention. 
The result of the ballot was the unanimous election of 
the young man who pushes this pencil. Rev. Stephen 
J. Herben, of Jersey City, N. J., a graduate of North- 
western University, and a practical printer and ex- 
perienced newspaper correspondent, was subsequently 
chosen as assistant editor. The editor arrived at Chicago 
on April 1. An office was fitted up on the fifth floor of 
the Book Concern building, and preparations for issu- 
ing the new paper immediately began. The date of the 
first issue was to be June 1, but it was decided to 
publish an advance copy for general distribution. This 
"sample" appeared on May 1, though it was dated a 

month later. An edition of 150,000 copies was printed 
6 



74 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



and scattered broadcast. We insert herewith a fac- 
simile of the first page of the first issue. Inasmuch as it 
will be difficult for many to read the fine type we repro- 
duce, as a sort of curio, two short editorials : 

SALUTATION. 
The editor hereby makes his bow. 

We will not write a conventional salutatory. Such effusions are 
apt to abound in glittering generalities, and are fruitful in promises 
that are rarely fulfilled. Study our name. Does not that indicate 
with sufficient clearness our character and mission ? 

The Epxvorth Herald is started in response to an earnest, reason- 
able, and widespread demand. The great and to-be-greater Epworth 
League felt the need of an organ thoroughly devoted to the promotion 
of its interests. To supply that need we shall give the best we have 
of heart and brain. We cannot do more than that. And we would 
be unworthy our place upon this important tripod should we aim to 
do less. Two things, however, we wish to say frankly, namely : 
I. There are several things about editing a newspaper which we do not 
know. 2. We have no expectation of pleasing everybody. Sugges- 
tions from our friends will always be in order. We do not promise 
to adopt all the advice given us, but will invariably give it conscien- 
tious consideration. 

We ask the loyal, enthusiastic cooperation of young Methodists 
and their older friends. It is your paper, not ours. The Herald 
must win. The publishers have planned magnificently. The field 
is wide. The opportunity is golden. Let every one promptly and 
earnestly ' 1 lend a hand." Help us to make a wide-awake, progressive, 
spiritual, inspiring paper — a journal worthy to be the special organ of 
the splendid army of young American Methodists now marshaling 
under the banners of the Epworth League. 

NOT AN IDEAL NUMBER. 
This initial issue is not an ideal one. Things are new. The big 
editorial chair seems strange and uncomfortable. Our scissors are 
stiff and unwieldy. The pastepot looks stilted and aristocratic 
when compared with the familiar old one we left behind. And this 




FACSIMILE OF FIRST PAGE OF FIRST ISSUE OF " THE EP- 
WORTH HERALD." 



STARTING " THE EPWORTH HERALD." 75 



pencil is pushed by a hand that persists in trembling a bit. Nothing 
exactly fits. The very stars in their courses fight against the first 
number of a periodical. This may be taken as a suggestion of what 
future issues will be. That is all. 

Our departments have been arranged after a careful study of the 
probable needs of our wide constituency. But they are elastic. We 
shall add, and subtract, and multiply, and divide as occasion seems 
to demand. The Herald is something of a pioneer in this field of 
journalism. The experimental period must be passed through. 
Special features will be added from time to time and old ones 
dropped. Certain issues will be given up almost exclusively to par- 
ticular vital phases of League work. Symposiums, interviews, per- 
sonal sketches, and so forth will be mixed in to give spice and variety. 
There is no stereotyping machine in this sanctum. 

Unlike the fabled goddess, The Epzvorth Herald has not sprung 
into being "full-orbed and glorious." In harmony with the vigorous 
young organization of which it is the organ the paper is to grow. 
We have placed our ideal high up, and are going on " unto perfection." 

Our new paper met with a most cordial reception. 
The church editors published words of welcome. 
Correspondents wrote their congratulations. Subscrip- 
tions began to pour in. The first list came from the 
Tabernacle Church of Detroit, Mich., Dr. William Dawe 
pastor; the second was sent by our church at Athens, 
Tenn. Within a month the clerks who had been 
assigned to duty in the business department were work- 
ing extra hours to keep up with the demands of the 
situation. 

The subsequent history of the Herald is so fresh in 
the minds of its friends that it need not be told in 
detail. At the close of its first year the little paper had 
a subscription list, after counting its inheritance of 
12,000 from Our Youth, of 42,000. At the end of its 
second year the 60,000 mark had been passed. The 



7 6 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



third year closes with a list of more than 75,000. The fourth 
year of its history will undoubtedly give the paper a list 
of at least 100,000. It already has the largest circula- 
tion of any denominational weekly in the world, and is 
upon a very profitable financial foundation. No period- 
ical ever had a multitude of friends who were more 
indulgent and loyal, and none ever passed its initial 
stage with more marked success. 



SECOND AND THIRD MEETINGS OF THE BOARD. 77 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE SECOND AND THIRD MEETINGS OF THE BOARD 
OF CONTROL. 

The famed hospitality of the Methodists of St. Louis, 
together with a desire to meet the energetic Epvvorth 
workers of that region, were two things which were 
influential in deciding the Board of Control to hold its 
next session in that mid-continent city. The meeting 
convened on May 21, 1891, in the lecture room of Union 
Church. More than a year had now elapsed since the 
last board gathering, and the League had meanwhile 
developed with marvelous rapidity. Chapters had 
been organized at the rate of between fifty and one 
hundred per week, and the cause had grown in favor in 
all sections of the Church. It was with peculiar 
satisfaction, therefore, that the representatives of this 
wonderful young organization greeted each other on that 
balmy May morning, exchanged mutual congratulations, 
and joined in heartfelt praise to God. 

Bishop FitzGerald, our beloved president, occupied 
the chair. Rev. M. D. Carrel led the opening devotions. 
For an hour the brethren sang songs of praise and 
besought the presence and blessing of the Lord during 
the important meeting which was about to open. In 
addition to the members of the Board a large company 
of interested visitors was present. Among these were 
Bishops Bowman and Hurst. These chief pastors, 



73 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



together with Drs. Stowe and Fry, were invited to 
participate freely in the deliberations of the Board. 

Dr. J. L. Hurlbut made a report which bristled with 
points of interest. Five thousand five hundred and 
seventy-seven chapters were reported, a net increase 
of three thousand seven hundred since the last meet- 
ing. Marked increase in the devotion and efficiency of 
our members was also gladly acknowledged. " The 
Epworth League," said the doctor, " is more than a mere 
aggregation of numbers. It is rapidly becoming a 
disciplined army of young soldiers of the cross. We 
observe every day the evidences of the spiritual power 
and progress of the League. Every mail brings testi- 
monies to our office; we hear them in the reports of 
presiding elders and pastors at the Annual Conferences; 
we meet them everywhere in district conventions. . . . 
I believe that this awakening will still advance; that our 
young people will become clearer in their religious 
experience, stronger in their testimony, more aspiring 
after holiness of heart, more fully consecrated in the 
Master's service, and more earnest in labors for his 
cause." 

Dr. J. M. Freeman, treasurer, made a financial state- 
ment which showed a small balance upon the right side 
of the League ledger. Recording Secretary Doherty 
read the minutes of the sessions of the Executive Com- 
mittee which had been held since the last board meeting. 
After a spirited debate the appointment of four general 
committees was decided upon, namely, on Memorial 
to the General Conference, on Literature, on Resolutions, 
and on Finance. To these were subsequently added 
special committees on the American University and on 



SECOND AND THIRD MEETINGS OF THE BOARD. 79 



Ecumenical Relations between the Epworth Leagues of 
the different branches of Methodism. 

One of the most interesting features of the afternoon 
session was furnished by the reports from the General 
Conference districts. They were full of inspiration and 
encouragement. Advancement and victory was the 
glad story told by every speaker. The Committee on 
the American University recommended that great 
enterprise to the confidence of the young people of the 
Church, and the report was heartily adopted. Bishop 
Hurst spoke his appreciation and thanks. 

A mass meeting was held at night. The auditorium 
was tastefully decorated with tropical plants, cut flowers, 
and appropriate Epworth mottoes. In the multitude 
were brigades of Epworthians from the local Methodist 
Episcopal churches and those of the Methodist Episco- 
pal churches, South. Bishop Bowman presided, and was 
in his happiest mood. The first address was made by 
Dr. Hurlbut. It was an inspiring putting of League 
aims and possibilities. The editor of The Epworth 
Herald followed. Dr. Doherty delivered a clear-cut and 
winning address on u Consecration." Bishop FitzGerald 
spoke last. He was exceedingly happy and forceful in 
his remarks, and was enthusiastically cheered. At the 
close of the formal program a reception was given in the 
lecture room by the young people. It was a delight- 
ful affair. 

On Friday morning the reports of the committees 
were listened to. The Committee on Local Constitution 
proposed several minor changes, but after full discussion 
they were almost all laid upon the table. The Committee 
on Literature submitted through Chairman Osbon a 



8o 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



report expressing great satisfaction with the character 
and make-up of The Epworth Herald, and congratulated 
the League upon its phenomenal success. The commit- 
tee recommended the publication of a series of leaflets 
illustrating the work of the different departments, to be 
sold at a price not to exceed five cents per copy. 

Mr. J. W. Baer, General Secretary of the Young 
People's Society of Christian Endeavor, was introduced 
and made fraternal remarks. The Committee on 
Ecumenical Relations reported through Rev. W. I. 
Haven. It recommended the appointment of a stand- 
ing committee on Ecumenical Relations whose duty it 
should be to secure as soon as possible the organization 
of the League in all the different branches of Method- 
ism. The report also advised that a League rally be 
held in connection with the Ecumenical Conference at 
Washington, and that an international League gathering 
be held at the earliest proper hour. This report was 
heartily adopted. So was a report indorsing the organ- 
ization of Oxford chapters in colleges and universities 
where Methodist students attend. 

A commission was appointed to prepare a memorial 
to the coming General Conference, asking for the recog- 
nition of the Epworth League as a regular connectional 
society of the Church. This was the personnel of the 
Commission: Bishop FitzGerald, T. McKendree Stuart, 
R. R. Doherty, M. D. Carrel, W. I. Haven, L. E. 
Prentiss, and J. H. Coleman. The Commission was 
instructed to submit the memorial to the next meeting 
of the Board of Control for approval or amendment. 

The vote of thanks to Rev. Dr. C. P. Masden and 
the friends of Union Church for the generous hospi- 



SECOND AND THIRD MEETINGS OF THE BOARD. 8 1 



tality with which they had entertained their Epworth 
guests was passed with enthusiasm, and meant more 
than such formal expressions often do. No sooner was 
the board adjourned than Mr. S. C. Buckingham, Mr. 
C. G. Bowman, and others took the brethren in charge. 
They conducted them to the Mississippi River, where 
a fine excursion steamer was already crowded with the 
young Methodists of St. Louis. For several hours a 
delightful ride was enjoyed, the boat returning in time 
for the visitors to embark on the evening trains for 
their respective homes. 



During the last few days of April, 1892, many 
Methodist eyes were turned toward the city of Omaha, 
where the delegates to the General Conference were 
assembling. On the opposite bank of the Missouri 
River stands Council Bluffs, la., where our Board of 
Control had been called to meet five days before the 
opening of the great quadrennial legislature. The 
special object of this meeting was the consideration of 
the report of the Commission which hadbeen appointed 
a year before to draft a formal memorial to the General 
Conference. 

The members were all present excepting four, namely, 
Dr. A. H. Gillet, Rev. F. Mason North, John Bentley, and 
W. W. Cooper. Rev. J. M. Meeker served as alternate 
for Mr. North, Rev. Frank Lenig for Mr. Bentley, and 
Rev, Frederick A. Smart for Mr. Cooper. Mr. C. E. 
Piper, of Chicago, was introduced as the successor of 
Dr. Edwards, and the doctor was invited to participate 
in the business of the session. Revs. D. N. MclnturfT 



82 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



and M. F. Colburn were also present as representatives 
from the Pacific coast. 

Soon after the opening the Commission presented its 
report. It was temporarily laid upon the table pending 
the presentation of other memorials on the same sub- 
ject. One came from the Fifth General Conference 
District, one from the Sixth, and one from the Eighth. 
The Topeka, Kan., District also presented a plan of 
general organization. The debate on the memorial was 
decidedly animated. Almost the entire afternoon ses- 
sion of Thursday and both sessions of Friday were taken 
up with a consideration of the vital document. Every 
sentence was discussed separately, and almost every 
sentence was changed, sometimes more than once. 
When Saturday morning dawned apparently very little 
had been settled. Realizing that the Board must soon 
adjourn, the brethren addressed themselves with great 
earnestness to the business before them. By afternoon 
they were ready to consider the adoption of the me- 
morial as a whole, but before doing so, and for the pur- 
pose of securing the wisest possible form of expression, 
it was decided to reconsider the entire document article 
by article. Motions, amendments, and substitutes fol- 
lowed each other in rapid succession. It was very 
amusing when the minutes were read to listen to the 
record of nine consecutive motions, each of which was 
laid upon the table. But as night drew on the memorial 
as finally amended was adopted. This document, which 
had been the occasion of so much thought, and over 
which such a vast amount of eloquence had been 
poured out, was then placed in the hands of a commit- 
tee consisting of such members of the Board as were 



SECOND AND THIRD MEETINGS OF THE BOARD. 83 



also members of the General Conference, together with 
Arthur Edwards and J . F. Berry, with a request that it 
be submitted to the Conference at the earliest practi- 
cable date. 

Various other items of business received attention. 
The General Conference was requested to arrange for 
the printing of League statistics in the Minutes of the 
Annual Conferences and in the General Minutes. A 
committee was appointed to secure designs for a new 
badge. Action was taken that enabled the local cabi- 
net by unanimous vote and with the concurrence of the 
pastor, to drop the names of unworthy members for 
causes which it deemed sufficient. 

Before final adjournment on Saturday night a most 
spiritual service was held. Earnest prayer was offered 
for the Lord's blessing upon the work of the past three 
days, and for benedictions upon the General Confer- 
ence soon to assemble. It was a time of heart search- 
ing and consecration, and will not soon be forgotten by 
those who participated. There was a feeling of uncer- 
tainty in reference to just what the greatbody might do 
for the League, and after adjournment most of the breth- 
ren betook themselves to Omaha to await with some 
anxiety the result. 



8 4 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
THE LEAGUE IN THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 

For many months before the gathering of the Gen- 
eral Conference of 1892 it was freely admitted by our 
most intelligent church leaders that no questions were 
likely to come before the body of more vital impor- 
tance than those involved in the proposed official recog- 
nition of the Epworth League. The probable action of 
the Conference had been widely canvassed. It was 
well known that almost every one of the five hundred 
delegates entertained for the League feelings of the ut- 
most friendliness. But these men, coming as they did 
from widely separated sections of the Church, were al- 
most sure to view matters from different angles of 
vision, and were unlikely, therefore, to reach harmoni- 
ous conclusions without some earnest debate. 

The Conference convened at Omaha on the 1st of 
May, but three days elapsed before the great body was 
organized and duly "seated." On the afternoon of the 
4th of May the delegates assembled at First Church 
to arrange for certain special committees for the ses- 
sion. Soon after opening Dr. S. E. Pendleton, of Kan- 
sas, arose and moved for a special committee on the 
Epworth League, to consist of five members at large and 
two from each General Conference district. This was 
instantly seconded in several parts of the church. A 
half hour was spent in determining the size of the com- 




SOME LEAGUE LEADERS. 

BISHOP JOHN H. VINCENT. REV. W. H. WITHROW, D.D. 

BISHOP JAMES N. FITZGERALD. 
REV. J. H. TWOMBLY, D.D. CHARLES E. PIPER, ESQ. 

REV. W. G. E. CUNNYNGHAM, D.D. REV. EDWIN A. SCHELL, PH.D. 



THE LEAGUE IN THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 85 



mittee, and several brief, enthusiastic speeches were 
made. The speakers paid a glowing tribute to our 
growing organization, and recounted some splendid re- 
sults of its activities. These words of appreciation were 
received with an outburst of applause which made the 
special friends of the cause grateful and happy. Dr. 
Pendleton's motion prevailed. 

On the morning of May 7 Bishop Andrews announced 
to the General Conference that the bishops had nomi- 
nated the following special committee on the Epworth 
League : At large — Arthur Edwards, S. W. Heald, 
D. R. Lowrie, Alfred Anderson, and D. T. Denny. 
From the districts — 1. J. M. Durrell, R. L. Douglas. 
2. J. H. Coleman, Peter Welsh. 3. E. M. Mills, W. B. 
Wright. 4. S. W. Gehrett, T. H. Murray. 5. W. H. 
Rider, A. M. Mattison. 6. W. S. Edwards, James Arm- 
strong 7. H. A. Gobin, T. J. Robinson. 8. J. F. Berry, 
Robert McMillan. 9. H. C. Jennings, Henry Egbert. 
10. A. W. Atkinson, B. L. Paine. 11. Harry Swann, B. E. 
Scruggs. 12. S.E. Pendleton, H. C De Motte. 13. Henry 
Liebhart, W. F. Finke. 14. E. W. Caswell, C. B. Perkins. 
Immediately after the committee had been named J. F. 
Berry presented the memorial from the Board of Con- 
trol and moved the suspension of the rules so that it 
could properly be referred to the committee. The com- 
mittee met that afternoon at the First Congregational 
Church for organization. Dr. D. R Lowrie, of Newark 
Conference, was elected chairman, and Dr. S. E. Pen- 
dleton was chosen scribe. Dr. Lowrie found himself 
so occupied with other pressing duties that he could 
not serve, and J. F. Berry was named for the chairman- 
ship. 



86 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



Thirteen sessions of the committee were held. Those 
who attended them either as participants or spectators 
will not soon forget their experiences. No discussions 
which have taken place even on the floor of the General 
Conference could have been more animated. An alert 
body of men was that Epworth League committee. 
The members had opinions, and knew how to state them. 
They had convictions, and possessed courage to defend 
them. An honest effort had been made by the bishops 
in selecting the committeemen to have all possible 
shades of opinions regarding young people's work rep- 
resented, but it soon transpired that every member 
was either directly identified with the League or in warm 
sympathy with its methods. The matter which in- 
spired debate was not the question whether or not the 
League should have recognition as the young people's 
society of the Church, but in regard to the best possible 
form of permanent organization. The memorial from 
the Board of Control was gone over item by item. 
Many minor alterations were made. No serious differ- 
ences of opinion were discovered, however, till the 
status of the young people's societies in our Church 
other than the Epworth League was broached. Then 
came a contest. It was proposed to provide for the 
affiliation of such societies with the League on condition 
that their officers and general plans of work be ap- 
proved by the pastor and official board or Quarterly 
Conference, and that they be duly enrolled at our cen- 
tral office. Mr. T. H. Murray, an able lawyer from 
central Pennsylvania, expressed fears that the legisla- 
tion we were planning would be regarded as inimical to 
the " other societies " then in existence in our Church, 



THE LEAGUE IN THE GENERAL CONEERENCE. 87 



and contended with great vehemence and persistency 
that we should provide for them upon a more liberal 
basis. As a compromise it was finally agreed, with but 
one dissenting voice, that this clause be added to the 
article on organization : " But it is not hereby intended 
to disturb the present status of other young people's so- 
cities now organized in the Methodist Episcopal Church 
which are under the control of the pastor and Quarterly 
Conference." This, it was believed, would be a gener- 
ous attitude to maintain toward those societies which 
had been organized before the League had an exist- 
ence, and which were attached to the form of organiza- 
tion under which they were working. But it was as- 
sumed that new young people's organizations in our 
Church would invariably be Epworth Leagues. 

Some discussion arose over the proposition to have 
a general secretary elected by the General Conference 
instead of by the Board of Control, but in view of the 
concession mentioned above those who were inclined 
to look with disfavor upon the plan withdrew their op- 
position. On Thursday morning, May 19, the chairman 
of the Epworth League Committee asked consent of the 
General Conference to present the report of that com- 
mittee so that it could be printed in the Daily Christian 
Advocate. This was readily given, and the motion that 
the report be made the special order of the day imme- 
diately after the reading of the journal on Saturday 
morning was also unanimously consented to. 

Saturday morning witnessed a full attendance of 
delegates. The galleries of the Exposition Building 
were also more than usually crowded with interested 
spectators. Many of the friends of the League were 



88 



POUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



present from different parts of the country, drawn 
.thither to listen to the debate and also to attend the 
great mass meeting announced for the following Sab- 
bath afternoon. The report of the committee being 
called up, Dr. D. S. Monroe, secretary of the Confer- 
ence, read the document in full. It was then resolved 
to take up the document item by item. The discussion 
consumed the entire session. With the details of the 
debate the reader would not be greatly interested. 
Motions, substitutes, amendments, and amendments to 
amendments followed each other so rapidly that Bishop 
Andrews, who was presiding, was sorely perplexed, 
level-headed man though he is. Some of the ablest 
men in the body participated. Twice as many more 
would gladly have engaged in the debate, but did not 
secure the floor. Every speaker commended the League 
in the highest terms. Each contended that his favorite 
view ought to be adopted because it would surely pro- 
mote the highest interests of an organization that was 
worthy of the best things which the General Conference 
could do for it. The chief bone of contention was 
the proposition relating to affiliated societies. Another 
matter concerning which there was some difference of 
opinion was the creation of the office of general secre- 
tary. Several speakers thought that the duties of this 
position could be performed by the Corresponding 
Secretary of the Sunday School Union and Tract So- 
ciety. An amendment calling for such an adjustment 
was pressed. There was a more radical difference, how- 
ever, on the proposition of the report to have the gen- 
eral secretary and the editor of The Epworth Herald 
elected by the General Conference. This question 



THE LEAGUE IN THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 89 



was debated with great zeal. It was finally resolved 
that the editor be elected by the General Conference 
and that the selection of a secretary be referred to the 
Board of Control. When the hour of adjournment 
arrived some problems concerning the financial support 
of the general secretary were under consideration, and 
the matter was referred back to the committee for ad- 
justment. 

On the Tuesday following the Epworth League again 
absorbed the attention of the Conference for almost the 
entire session. The revised report of the committee 
was presented. Almost immediately Dr. D. S. Monroe 
moved that the paragraph referring to the status of 
other young people's societies be stricken out. This 
raised a storm. It raged with increasing force for the 
space of an hour. But the motion finally prevailed, and 
the reference was expunged. Subsequently a motion to 
print the rejected statement as a footnote in the Disci- 
pline was carried by a unanimous vote. 

We append the text of the General Constitution as 
finally adopted by the Conference. It appears as 
Paragraph 325 of the Discipline. Provision was also 
made in a carefully prepared report to harmonize 
other paragraphs of the Discipline with the new legis- 
lation of the Epworth League. 

YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETIES. 

For the purpose of promoting intelligent and vital piety among the 
young people of our churches and congregations, and of training them 
in works of mercy and help, there shall be an organization under 
the authority of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church and governed by the following Constitution : 



go 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



Constitution. 

Article i. Name. — The title of this organization shall be " The 
Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church." 

Article 2. Object. — The object of the League is to promote intel- 
ligent and vital piety in the young members and friends of the Church, 
to aid them in the attainment of purity of heart and constant growth 
in grace, and to train them in works of mercy and help. 

Article 3. Organization. — With a view to cany out the objects 
of the League, the chapters and such other young people's societies as 
may be approved by the Quarterly Conferences shall be organized 
into Presiding Elders' District Leagues, and may also be formed 
into General Conference District Leagues. Other groupings may be 
arranged for the advantage of the work, such as Annual Conference 
Leagues, State Leagues, City Leagues, etc. The chapter shall be 
under the control of the Quarterly Conference and pastor. Any 
young people's society may become an affiliated chapter of the 
Epworth League, provided it adopt the aims of the League, that 
its president and officers and general plans of work be approved by 
the pastor and official board or Quarterly Conference, and that it be 
enrolled at the central office.* 

Article 4. Government. — The management of the League shall 
be vested in the Board of Control, to consist (1) of fifteen members 
appointed by the bishops, one of whom shall be a bishop, who shall 
be President of the Epworth League and of the Board of Control ; 
(2) and of one member from each General Conference district, to be 
chosen as the organization in each General Conference district may 
decide. This Board of Control shall meet twice in each quadren- 
nium. When the Board of Control holds its first meeting in the 
quadrennium, should any General Conference district be without 
representation by failure to elect, the Board may elect some one from 
the district to represent it. 

Article 5. Officers.— The officers of the League shall be a presi- 
dent, four vice presidents — two of whom, at least, shall be laymen — 
a general secretary, and a treasurer, who shall constitute the General 

* It is not hereby intended to disturb the present status of other young people's 
societies now organized in the Methodist Episcopal Church which are under 
control of the pastor and Quarterly Conference. 



THE LEAGUE LN THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 9 1 



League Cabinet, of which the editor of TJte Epworth Herald and the 
German Assistant Secretary shall be members ex officio. The 
president shall be chosen as hereinbefore provided. The vice 
president shall be chosen by the Board of Control from their own 
members. The general secretary shall be elected by the Board 
of Control, and shall be the executive officer of the League. He 
shall have charge of all correspondence, and shall keep the records 
of the League. He shall also be editor of Epworth League publica- 
tions other than The Epworth Herald. The treasurer shall be elected 
by the Board of Control. The editor of The Epworth Herald shall 
be elected by the General Conference. All these officers shall be 
elected quadrennially, and shall hold office until their successors are 
chosen. The duties of the general secretary and the editor of 
The Epworth Herald shall be performed under the direction of 
the Board of Control ; and the Cabinet shall act for the Board of 
Control ad interim. Vacancies in any of the above named positions, 
except the presidency and the editorship of the Herald, shall be 
filled by the Cabinet, subject to the approval of the Board of Control. 

Article 6. German Assistant Secretary. — The editor of the Haus 
und Herd is constituted the German Assistant Secretary of the Ep- 
worth League, and thereby a member of the General League Cabinet. 

Article 7. Finances. — The salaries of the editor of The Epworth 
Herald and of the general secretary shall be fixed by the Book 
Committee. All other expenses of the Board of Control shall be 
met through means which it shall devise. No collection shall be 
taken by the Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
except for League purposes. 

Article 8. Central Office. — The central office of the Epworth 
League shall be in Chicago, 111. 

Article 9. Local Constitution. — The Constitution for local 
chapters shall be in charge of the Board of Control ; provided, how- 
ever, that no enactment shall be made which shall in any manner 
conflict with this General Constitution. 

Article 10. By-Laws. — The Board of Control shall have power 
to enact such by-laws for its own government as will not conflict with 
this Constitution. 

Article ii. Amendfnents. — This Constitution shall be altered or 
amended only by the General Conference. 



9 2 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



We have referred to a Sabbath mass meeting. It was 
really a magnificent affair. In planning for a series of 
representative Sabbath afternoon gatherings, which made 
the General Conference of 1892 famous, Bishop Newman 
was careful that the Epworth League should be counted 
in. The young people of Omaha and Council Bluffs 
had tendered the delegates and League visitors a delight- 
ful reception on the previous evening, and this whetted 
the appetite of the people for the intellectual and spirit- 
ual feast they were to enjoy on Sabbath afternoon. 
Exposition Hall was crowded. Every foot of standing 
room was eagerly occupied. The officers of the First 
Baptist Church, near by, kindly opened their temple for 
an overflow meeting, and it, too, was full. Bishop Fitz- 
Gerald presided. Dr. J. H. Coleman prayed fervently. 
Chaplain McCabe — the incomparable McCabe — led the 
singing. Those who have heard him sing know what 
that means. The rapturous choruses of that afternoon 
seem to be ringing in our ears as we write. The speech- 
makers were Dr. J. L. Hurlbut, Dr. Henry Liebhart, 
Mr. W. H. Beach, of Jersey City ; Bishop Vincent, and 
Bishop Warren. If each address had been prepared 
with special reference to all the others utterances more 
timely and appropriate could not have been made. The 
multitude was in a most responsive mood. Every taking 
point was enthusiastically applauded. Before the meet- 
ing closed a fraternal messenger was received from the 
Young Men's Christian Association of Omaha, whose 
cordial words were aptly responded to by Bishop War- 
ren. After the last hymn had been sung and the bene- 
diction pronounced the people still lingered. Chaplain 
McCabe was prevailed upon to sing again, and then Dr. 



THE LEAGUE IN THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 93 



F. A. Hardin, of Chicago, exhorted a little. The power 
of God was signally manifested. Many were greatly 
blessed and went away with joy in their hearts and upon 
their lips. We have been assured that the meeting made 
a profound impression and will be the theme of conver- 
sation in coming years when the experiences of the Gen- 
eral Conference of 1892 are recounted. 

The General Conference placed the responsibility of 
electing a general secretary upon the Board of Control. 
The understanding was that the Board would meet 
and attend to this duty without delay. But for various 
reasons it was found difficult to secure a meeting in the 
early summer. The brethren assembled on September 
3, at First Church, Cleveland, O. Dr. Levi Gilbert, pas- 
tor, welcomed us in characteristic style, and the pastors 
and League workers of the city were unremitting in 
their kind attentions. Bishop FitzGerald was president, 
and Dr. Doherty served as secretary for the session. 

A portion of the first afternoon was spent in visiting 
the old Central Church. It was a time of intense pleas- 
ure. Each visitor examined the historic classroom with 
curious interest. Then the little company was seated, 
and a hush fell upon all. In a moment Mr. Cooper 
arose and spoke most touchingly of the memorable 
meeting held there in May, 1889. At the close of his 
remarks some one started the hymn, 

" O for a thousand tongues, to sing 
My great Redeemer's praise," 

and it was sung with much feeling. Many eyes filled 
with tears as the triumphant notes echoed through the 
old building. Brother Haven then indulged in some 



94 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



entertaining reminiscences, and soon led the company in 
prayer. Appropriate remarks were also made by Messrs. 
Doherty, Helman, and Day, and by Rev. S. O. Royal. 

On Sunday afternoon a mass meeting was held at 
First Church. It was an impromptu affair, but brimful 
of life. Dr. Levi Gilbert's inspiring new hymn, "On- 
ward, Epworth Leaguers," was sung with spirit, and 
several suggestive addresses were made. 

Three sessions of the Board were held on Monday. 
Much important routine business was disposed of. A 
Junior League Constitution was adopted. The local 
Constitution was revised and some important altera- 
tions made. At the afternoon session the election of 
the general officers came up. Several brethren told 
what kind of a man in their judgment the new secre- 
tary should be. Then an informal ballot was taken. 
Twenty-two ballots were cast. Revs. W. N. Brod- 
beck, H. C. Jennings, C. J. North, J. H. Coleman, W. 
H. W. Rees, and E. M. Mills, and Messrs. O. L. Doty, 
R. R. Doherty, and H. V. Holt each received votes. 
On the fifth formal ballot Dr. Brodbeck received a 
majority of all the votes cast, and was declared duly 
elected. The secretary was instructed to notify the 
doctor of his election, and ask his acceptance. The 
other offices of the Board were filled as follows : First 
Vice President, Willis W. Cooper ; Second Vice Presi- 
dent, Rev. W. I. Haven ; Third Vice President, R. R. 
Doherty ; Fourth Vice President, Rev. H. C. Jennings ; 
Treasurer, Charles E. Piper. 

In the evening the Board was tendered a banquet at 
the Hollenden Hotel. It was in all respects a charm- 
ing affair. A closing business session was held on 



THE LEAGUE IN THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. 95 

Tuesday morning. Some of the preliminaries for the 
first International Conference were arranged. A League 
song book was authorized. The general secretary was 
requested to send a special letter of information and 
exhortation to the chapters. 

The Board adjourned without having had any defi- 
nite word from Dr. Brodbeck, but before most of the 
brethren had left the city a message came, saying that 
he was reluctantly compelled to decline the position. 
This caused disappointment and sorrow. The breth- 
ren had felt that an admirable selection had been made, 
and all were congratulating themselves over the great 
work which Dr. Brodbeck was sure to accomplish. The 
entire Church joined with the Board in sincere regret 
over the declination. 

The election of a general secretary was thus thrown 
into the hands of the Cabinet. That body convened at 
the Book Concern building, New York, on November 3. 
A whole session was given to a patient canvass of the 
abilities of brethren who had been mentioned (with- 
out their consent) for the position of general secretary. 
Then a vote was taken, and Rev. Edwin A. Schell, 
pastor of First Methodist Episcopal Church, Yonkers, 
N. Y., was unanimously elected. Brother Schell was 
notified of his election, and during the afternoon ac- 
cepted the position. The new secretary assumed the 
duties of his office immediately, and has since been 
tireless in his work. His first six months were spent 
almost wholly in the field, and everywhere large audi- 
ences listened to his eloquent addresses. His adminis- 
tration of the important office fully justifies the wisdom 
of his selection. 



9 6 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER IX. 
THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 

The general management of the League is vested in 
a Board of Control. It consists of fifteen members ap- 
pointed by the bishops, one of whom shall be a bishop 
and President of the Epworth League and of the Board 
of Control ; and of one member from each General Con- 
ference district, to be chosen as the League organiza- 
tion in each General Conference district may decide. 
This Board of Control meets twice during each quad- 
rennium. The officers of the General League are a 
president and four vice presidents (two of whom must 
be laymen), a general secretary, and a general treasurer. 
These officers, together with the editor of The Epworth 
Herald and the German Assistant Secretary, constitute 
the General League Cabinet. The president, as before 
stated, is chosen by the bishops. The vice presidents 
are elected by the Board of Control from their members. 
The secretary and treasurer are selected by this body 
also. The secretary is the executive officer of the League. 
The central office of the League is in Chicago. 

The personnel of the present Board of Control is as 
follows : Appointed by the bishops : Bishop James N. 
FitzGerald, President ; Ministers — Revs. W. I. Haven, 
Boston, Mass.; J. H. Coleman, Troy, N. Y.; E. M. Mills, 
Elmira, N. Y. ; J. W. E. Bowen, Washington, D. C. ; 
S. O. Royal, Middletown, O. ; L. E. Prentiss, Chatta- 




MeIIiodi5t*Epi5cop^l*CIiurcIi 

. District Conference, 

<3« Rerefcij r^cognise^ a* (3<Jfe)\p<l'EfJ 3 Ho. , „of CRe 

"^H Spcoorffi teeague of tf e MetKo^^r SpiAcopaf Gfiurcft 



©rganize<( 6y roprM.ijfiitis.ea of tR- .^oung IpeopPe'A ^,oa\zt\e& of tfU MetftoeLi^f Gp'n!>copaP Csfturofi, 

at ©feoefani, ©Rio, May tfte Siffoenlft, 188?, aijS aSoptea 6y fto (§eneraP @Ortf erenCe of tfte MetftoSiiSf 

GpiAeopaP ©fturcft, Maij, 1892. 




FACSIMILE OF THE CHARTER OF THE EPWORTH LEAGUE 
OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 



97 



nooga, Tenn.; H. C. Jennings, Red Wing, Minn.; Lay- 
men — R. R. Doherty, New York city ; J. B. Scott, Phila- 
delphia, Pa.; R. K. Root, Buffalo, N. Y.; H. A. Schroet- 
ter, Cincinnati, O.; N. T. De Pauw, New Albany, 
Ind.; C. E. Piper, Chicago; F. D. Fuller, Topeka, Kan. 
Elected by the General Conference District Leagues : 
First District, Everett O. Fisk, Boston, Mass.; Second 
District, C. D. Hammond, Albany, N. Y.; Third Dis- 
trict, G. M. Colville, Binghamton, N. Y.; Fourth Dis- 
trict, C. Roszell Cathcart, Baltimore, Md.; Fifth Dis- 
trict, Byron E. .Helman, Cleveland, O. ; Sixth District, 
John A. Patten, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Seventh District, 
Willis W. Cooper, St. Joseph, Mich.; Eighth District, 
W. H. W. Rees, Des Moines, Iowa; Ninth District, 
W. C. Jones, Black River Falls, Wis.; Tenth District, 
B. L. Paine, Lincoln, Neb. ; Eleventh District, Jesse 
B. Young, St. Louis, Mo.; Twelfth District, member 
to be chosen ; Thirteenth District, William Koeneke, 

San Jose, 111. ; Fourteenth District, . 

The Cabinet is at present composed as follows: Presi- 
dent, Bishop James N. FitzGerald, New Orleans, La. ; 
First Vice President, W. W. Cooper, St. Joseph, Mich. ; 
Second Vice President, William I. Haven, Boston, 
Mass.; Third Vice President, R. R. Doherty, New York 
city ; Fourth Vice President, H. C. Jennings, Red Wing, 
Minn.; Secretary, Edwin A. Schell, Chicago; Treas- 
urer, C. E. Piper, Chicago ; J. F. Berry, Editor of The 
Epworth Herald, Chicago, and Henry Liebhart, Editor 
Haus und Herd, Cincinnati, O. 

The forms of Epworth organization authorized by the 
Discipline are the General Conference District League, 
the Presiding Elder's District League, and the local 



93 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



chapter. The General Conference District League 
has not yet been found, except in two or three notable 
instances, to be of very great practical value. The terri- 
tory of the district is usually very extensive, and the 
means of intercommunication are not always convenient 
or adequate. Besides, the multiplication of State and 
Conference Leagues has had a tendency to diminish the 
importance of the more general organization, whose 
chief purpose is served in the election of a member of 
the Board of Control. The Presiding Elder's District 
organization is superlatively important. In most of the 
Conferences every district has been organized, and the 
work in the local chapter has thereby been systematized 
and helped. In addition to these three organizations, 
which are definitely provided for in the Constitution, a 
number of other forms of organization have sprung up. 
It has been found advantageous in many of the larger 
towns and cities to form unions in which all the chapters 
of the place are enrolled. In some cities, where the 
natural divisions of the territory favor it, there are two 
or more city unions, as, for instance, in Chicago, where 
there is a South Side, a West Side, and a North Side 
Union. Other modifications of the city union idea may 
be found, as the Tri-city Union, of which Rock Island, 
111., Moline, 111., and Davenport, la., are one instance, 
and Omaha, Neb., Council Bluffs, la., and South Omaha, 
Neb., are another. It is now becoming customary in 
rural localities to hold group meetings, or subdistrict 
conventions, the theory being that a gathering of a few 
neighboring chapters is of more practical value than a 
larger convention. One of the most general forms of 
organization is that of the Annual Conference League. 



THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 



99 



Nearly every Conference in the connection holds a con- 
vention once a year. At the annual session of the 
Conference an anniversary is held. The State League 
has grown in favor during the last year or two. Some 
of the States magnify this organization to a very high 
degree, and receive almost unspeakable help from the 
conventions held under its auspices. 

The working plans of the local chapter are simple 
enough, though the work to be accomplished is as com- 
plex as the range and ramifications of Christian activi- 
ties. Members are constituted by election of the 
chapter, on nomination of the president, after approval 
by the cabinet. The pastor is ex officio a member of 
the chapter and of the cabinet. Wherever a chapter 
so decides, there may be two classes of members, active 
and associate. The active members are expected to 
subscribe to the following pledge : 



I will earnestly seek for myself, and do what I can to help 
others attain, the highest New Testament standard of ex- 
perience and life. I will abstain from all those forms of 
worldly amusements forbidden by the Discipline of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, and I will attend, so far as 
possible, the religious meetings of the chapter and of the 
Church, and take some active part in them. 
* * 

In cases where there are two classes of members the 
active members only are eligible to election as officers 
of the chapter, while associate members are entitled to 
all other privileges of membership. The officers are a 
president, four vice presidents, a secretary, and a treas- 
urer, and these, together with the pastor and the super- 



100 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



intendent of the Junior League, constitute the cabinet. 
The president must be a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and the other officers must be mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal or some other evangel- 




THE EPWORTH WHEEL. 



ical Church. The election of the officers must be con- 
firmed by the Quarterly Conference, of which body the 
president becomes a member. The Discipline makes it 
the duty of the president "to present to the Quarterly 
Conference a report of the chapter, together with such 



THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 



IOI 



information as the Conference may require and he may 
be able to give." 

The various phases of League work are indicated in 
the " Epworth Wheel," an admirable device for which 
Mr. B. E. Helinan, of Cleveland, O., stands sponsor. 
It will be seen that the work of the chapter is conducted 
through six departments, as follows : (i) Spiritual Work ; 
(2) Mercy and Help ; (3) Literary Work ; (4) Social 
Work; (5) Correspondence; (6) Finance. A vice 
president is in charge of the work of each department, 
the first vice president being in charge of the Depart- 
ment of Spiritual Work, the second vice president of 
Mercy and Help, the third vice president of Literary 
Work, the fourth vice president of Social Work, the 
secretary of Correspondence, and the treasurer of 
Finance. 

First and foremost in the sphere of Epworth work is 
the Department of Spiritual Work. To it is especially 
committed the care of the spiritual interests of the 
chapter. According to the provisions of the local Con- 
stitution it is expected to arrange for the regular prayer 
meetings of the chapter, and to plan special revival meet- 
ings and neighborhood outdoor and cottage services. It 
looks after the spiritual welfare of the members, inviting 
those who are interested to join the classes of the 
church. It conducts children's prayer meetings, or de- 
votional meetings for special classes of persons, as sail- 
ors, railroad men, etc. It is expected to help the super- 
intendent in building up the Sunday school. It also 
endeavors to interest the young people in the missionary 
enterprises of the church. To it are committed all the 
evangelistic and devotional activities of the chapter. 



102 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



Where the work of the League is so divided that the 
different departments interweave their efforts, the De- 
partment of Spiritual Work always arranges for the de- 
votional exercises in sociables, lectures, and all such 
meetings. 

The work of the second department is, to our mind, 
of vital importance. Every community furnishes abun- 
dant opportunities for the Mercy and Help workers to 
perform their kind offices and sweet charities. A prom- 
inent feature of its work is the systematic visitation of 
the members of the chapter, the sick of the neighbor- 
hood, the aged and newcomers of the community. 
Besides, it interests the League in the charities of the 
place, and plans to give aid when needed. It has 
charge of temperance work, social purity work, and tract 
distribution. All kinds of charitable duties, when un- 
dertaken by the chapter, such as visiting hospitals, 
nursing, distributing flowers, starting industrial schools, 
running employment bureaus, coffee houses, day nurse- 
ries, etc., are under its care. 

The Department of Literary Work aims to encourage 
the young people in the study of the Scriptures, and to 
instruct them in the doctrines, polity, history, and pres- 
ent activities of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
of the other denominations of the Church universal, and 
to give stimulus and direction to general Christian cul- 
ture. It has charge of all courses of reading and study 
pursued by the chapter. It may open, whenever prac- 
ticable, libraries, reading rooms, art rooms, and night 
schools. It arranges for lectures and literary gather- 
ings, at which members of the chapter and others pre- 
sent essays, papers, talks, debates, etc. It endeavors to 



THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 



103 



extend the circulation of the books and papers of the 
Church, and to do what it can to quicken the intellectual 
life of its members and the community. 

To the Department of Social Work is assigned the 
important and delightful duty of seeking and receiving 
new members. It is commissioned to introduce such 
features as will develop the highest and best social life. 
It has charge of the social parts of all gatherings. The 
music of the chapter and its entertainments, other than 
the literary programs, are under its care. These young 
workers provide flowers for the pulpit, ushers when 
needed, and attend to procuring badges, emblems, ban- 
ners, decorations, etc., and are the custodians of all such 
effects belonging to the chapter. Picnics, excursions, 
and the like are naturally under the care of the Depart- 
ment of Social Work. 

The Secretary and his assistants are expected to keep 
a record of the membership, of the meetings, and of all 
courses of reading and study pursued. It is desirable 
that they send reports of the meetings of the chapter to 
local papers. Also that they keep copies of all pro- 
grams, newspapers, and other notices of the chapter's 
affairs, and all memorabilia relating to its doings. This 
department may carry on correspondence with the central 
and district offices, and is the custodian of all records. 
By it members in good standing are recommended to 
other Leagues. 

The last of the departments performs such duties as 
usually devolve upon the treasurer. It is supposed to 
present to the chapter plans for meeting its financial 
needs. It collects all dues and receives all moneys, 
disbursing the same as the chapter may direct. All 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



matters involving an expenditure of money are referred 
to this department for consideration before the final 
action of the chapter. 

Work in at least one of these divisions is assigned to 
every member. He may choose his special field of 
activity, but having chosen it he is expected to be loyal 
to his department superintendent and render in all 
cases the best possible service. 

THE JUNIOR EPWORTH LEAGUE. 

One of the most interesting and vital features of 
League work is that which pertains to the care and cul- 
ture of the children. For this special purpose the 
Junior Epworth League was established. Its scheme 
of work is a modification and adaptation of that 
of the Epworth League. Its chief officer is the super- 
intendent, who is appointed by the pastor, and who is 
also a member of the Epworth League cabinet. The 
other officers are a president, four vice presidents, a 
treasurer, and a secretary, who are elected by the Juniors 
from among their own number, and these, with the su- 
perintendent and pastor, constitute the Junior League 
cabinet. The membership is made up of boys and 
girls under fourteen years of age. 

The "Junior Wheel" is the suggestion of Rev. N. J. 
Harkness, of the Rock River Conference, a most suc- 
cessful worker among the little men and women. Like 
the Senior one, it is divided into six sections. Each of 
these divisions has a key-word indicating something of 
its purpose. 

The key-word of the first department is heart. It 
stands for the development of true heart life. The con- 



THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 



105 



version of the children is the chief aim of every Junior 
superintendent. After there is evidence that the child 
has accepted the Saviour there should follow plain teach- 
ing in Christian doctrine and instruction in practical 




THE JUNIOR WHEEL. 



religious duties. The children are urged to take part 
in their own devotional meetings. They are encouraged 
to testify and lead in short, simple prayers. Besides, they 

are shown how to bring their young friends to the Master. 

8 



io6 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



The key-word of Department Two is hand. The idea 
which it represents is that of helpfulness. Various 
kinds of Mercy and Help work are undertaken under the 
guidance of the intelligent superintendent, and the chil- 
dren are made very happy by the knowledge that they 
are putting light and joy into lives that have been full 
of darkness and sorrow. 

Department Three has for its key-word head. This 
suggests thoughtfulness and study. Great interest is 
taken by the little people in the systematic study of the 
Bible as a book. Many of them can readily give the 
names of the different books, and the order in which they 
appear, as well as the name of the author and the cir- 
cumstances under which the book was written. There 
are also drills in the history of our own Church, in the 
" ten points of doctrine " and Catechism. Literary meet- 
ings are held occasionally with great profit, the aim be- 
ing to secure correct habits of thought and a taste for 
good literature. 

Department Four is assigned to social work. The 
key-word is feet. The children are encouraged to seek 
out those of their companions who are not identified 
with the League or some similar society, and bring 
them in. In many ways they provide innocent and de- 
lightful recreation for each other and for their grown- 
up friends. The fifth and sixth departments embrace 
the usual duties of secretary and treasurer. 

The first Junior League registered at the central office 
was that of First Church, Hoboken, N. J., Rev. C. R. 
Barnes, D.D., pastor; the second was that of Keyser, W. 
Va., and the third that of Asbury Church, Des Moines, la. 
Other Leagues were formed almost immediately, and 



THE LEAGUE AT WORK. 



107 



they soon began to spring up all over the land. The 
four years of Junior development and success have been 
scarcely less marvelous than the record made by the 
Seniors. It is now a splendid army marching many 
thousand strong. It has no lack of ardent friends. 
Many of our most successful church workers properly 
praise its practical achievements. New plans are con- 
stantly being devised for the entertainment, instruction, 
and spiritual culture of the little people. The Junior 
Herald is a two-page weekly supplement to The Epworth 
Herald, and is given up exclusively to the promotion of 
their work. At least two columns of reports from Jun- 
ior Leagues are printed each week. These are written 
by the Juniors themselves, and show a remarkable com- 
prehension of the design and plans of their organization. 



io8 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER X. 
EPWORTH LEAGUE EXTENSION. 

The Epworth League is branching out. Months ago 
it swept beyond the boundaries of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church and found a warm welcome in at least 
three other branches of the great Methodist family. 
And why not ? Was the organization not needed in 
these sister churches as much as it was in our own? Is 
it not as well adapted to promote the social, intellectual, 
and spiritual culture of their young people as it is those 
within our own fold ? Yea, verily. As the aims and 
methods of our young organization become more gen- 
erally known it will still grow in favor, and will event- 
ually become as world-wide as Methodism itself. 

THE LEAGUE IN THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 
SOUTH. 

At the General Conference held at St. Louis, Mo., 
it was decided to form " young people's leagues having 
for their object the promotion of piety and loyalty to 
our Church, education in church history, and their en- 
couragement in works of grace and charity." The re- 
sponsible work of preparing the way for such a society 
was intrusted to the General Sunday School Committee. 
This committee was composed of W. G- E. Cunnyng- 
ham, chairman; T. J. Magruder, J. H. Carlisle, G. A. 
Dazey, J. D. Hamilton, and J. R. Pepper. These de- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE EXTENSION. IO9 



voted brethren met at Nashville, Term., December 18, 
1890, and, after long and prayerful deliberation, adopted 
the Epvvorth League as the official young people's so- 
ciety of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The 
name " Epworth League " was selected, the brethren 
declared, for these reasons : " (1) Because of its histor- 
ical associations. It carried the mind back to the birth- 
place and early home of the founder of Methodism. 
The name also recalls the family life and godly training 
of the Wesley home, an example worthy to be kept in 
perpetual remembrance. (2) Because of its ecumenical 
character, being common to all the many branches of 
Wesleyan Methodism in this country, in Europe, and in 
all countries where it exists. From Epworth as a geo- 
graphical center its lines have gone out through all the 
earth, and its words unto the end of the world." The 
form of the organization is a modification of that of the 
League of the.Methodist Episcopal Church. The mem- 
bership consists of " all persons over fifteen years, of 
good moral character, who are willing to obey the rules 
and regulations of the League and do any work assigned 
them." All officers must be members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, South. The work is divided into 
three departments instead of six, namely, Christian Ef- 
fort, Charity and Help, and Literary Work. Up to the 
present time about eight hundred local chapters have 
been reported to the central office at Nashville. Many 
chapters are known to be in existence that have not been 
formally enrolled, so that it is safe to say that there are 
now upward of a thousand all told. The churches in 
the cities and larger towns have been quite generally 
organized, and in some cases those in rural regions have 



I 10 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



also taken up the work with a due measure of zeal. 
Special stress has everywhere been placed upon the 
Department of "Charity and Help," and a work has 
been done the recital of which would thrill any heart 
with joy. That the work has not moved more rapidly 
than it has may be accounted for by the fact that much 
of the constituency of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
South, is rural. A rural population is always slowly 
converted to new ideas and new institutions. 

The Texas Leagues were first to form a State organi- 
zation. The good example has been followed by Cali- 
fornia, Missouri, and Alabama. The Leagues of Ten- 
nessee met recently and planned for the enthusiastic 
extension of the work. There is now much talk of a 
council of all the Leagues in Southern Methodism at an 
early day. It has been our good fortune to meet some 
of the most influential leaders in our sister Church, 
and we have been delighted with their expressions of 
cordial approval of the Epworth League. It is, they 
declare, supplying a "long-felt want," and supplying it 
well. The denomination is just beginning to realize 
something of the bigness and value of the movement. 
Rapid and substantial advance is now certain. The 
work has been under the superintendence of Dr. W. G. 
E. Cunnyngham, the efficient Sunday school secretary. 
It could not have fallen into better hands. The doctor 
is an Epworth enthusiast. He believes in the League 
with all his heart. He regards it as a movement des- 
tined to do marvelous things for the young Methodists 
of the South, and is throwing great energy into the w T ork 
of directing and inspiring the young leaders. The Ep- 
worth Methodist, an independent paper, has been pub- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE EXTENSION. 



1 1 I 



lished at Fort Worth, Texas, for some time, and the 
little organ is rendering valuable service to the cause. 
In due time a regular official organ will, no doubt, be 
commissioned. In the meantime the various Advocates 
are devoting generous space to the growing cause, and 
the editors are vying with each other in paying to this 
grand army of young people tributes of appreciation 
and praise. 

THE LEAGUE IN CANADA. 

For years the need of some comprehensive young 
people's organization was felt in Canadian Methodism. 
Of course there were the usual literary and social soci- 
eties, but these had no cohesion or unity, and had not 
much direct religious influence. At the General Con- 
ference of 1882 Rev. W. H. Withrow, D.D., introduced 
a resolution calling for the organization of a young 
people's society with definite reading courses, somewhat 
after the plan of the Church Lyceum of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. This was received with a good deal 
of favor, a course of reading was arranged, and a num- 
ber of reading unions were organized. The plan, how- 
ever, did not take like fire among the heather. When 
Dr. Withrow returned from Europe in September, 1889, 
he learned from our press of the organization of the 
Epworth League. "Here," he said, "is the very thing 
needed for Canadian Methodism." He sent at once 
for our leaflets and mailed them to Rev. Dr. Carman, 
general superintendent, and other men of light and 
leading in the Church. He also brought the new move- 
ment to the attention of the Sunday School Board, which 
met in October, but the brethren did not seem to appre- 
hend the importance of the matter. One or two said 



I 12 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



they had received the leaflets, but threw them into the 
waste-paper basket. Another suggested that the matter 
be postponed for a year, till the meeting of the General 
Conference in 1890. But the doctor said, " If the thing 
is good why waste a year ? why not adopt it now ? " The 
general superintendent, who heartily sympathized with 
the movement, called a representative committee to 
consider the matter forthwith, the Constitution of our 
American League was adopted with slight modifications 
to suit Canadian needs, and a copious supply of litera- 
ture was ordered printed. The movement was formally 
inaugurated in a mass meeting held in the Metropolitan 
Church, Toronto. That large building was filled to the 
doors. Vigorous addresses were given, and the plan 
adopted with enthusiasm. The leading papers ably 
seconded the movement with editorial comments and 
commendations. Subsequent mass meetings were held 
in Hamilton, London, and elsewhere. The new de- 
parture was hailed with delight by many ministers and 
young laymen, who cordially cooperated in these open- 
ing meetings. The subsequent history of the movement 
has been one of notable progress. It should be men- 
tioned that before Dr. With row's return in the summer 
of 1889 one chapter was formed auxiliary to the League 
in this country — that in Barrie, Ontario. It was organ- 
ized by the Rev. R. N. Burns, B.A., a successful 
youngerly minister, who also held the first League con- 
vention, in that town. 

A few of the ministers who held official relations to 
the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor ob- 
jected to the new League as a divisive force, but their 
objections carried little weight. At the General Confer- 



EPWORTH LEAGUE EXTENSION. 1 1 3 



ence of 1890 the League was recognized as an integral 
department of the Methodist Church of Canada, and 
provision was made that its presidents be, by virtue of 
office, members of the Quarterly Board. This is the 
first recognition in the world, we believe, of the League 
as an organic part of the Church. At that Conference 
it was proposed that direct affiliation should take place 
with the Christian Endeavor Society, and the name of 
" Epworth League of Christian Endeavor " was sug- 
gested as an official name. That proposition the Gen- 
eral Conference did not sanction. A Constitution, 
however, was adopted embodying a pledge and princi- 
ples in harmony with those of the Endeavor Society, 
which it was thought would facilitate friendly affiliation 
with that body. But as the Endeavor Society insisted 
on the adoption of the name as well, a committee of the 
General Conference made it possible for individual so- 
cieties, if they chose, to adopt the name " Epworth 
League of Christian Endeavor," in the hope of uniting 
all the young people's societies under one comprehensive 
organization. Tha.t'expectation, however, has not been 
realized. Writing to us recently, Dr. Withrow says : 

A very large number of Epworth Leagues have become Epworth 
Leagues of Christian Endeavor, but a very small number of Endeavor 
societies in our Church have reciprocated by affiliation on the same 
basis. My opinion is that the double relationship is cumbersome 
and burdensome, the affiliated Leagues being expected to contribute 
to the finances of both organizations and to help in sustaining the 
provincial and international conventions and local unions of the 
two bodies. 

In company with Mr. Willis W. Cooper it was our 
privilege to attend the General Conference held at Mon- 



114 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



treal mentioned above. We were received with marked 
courtesy by the members of the committee having Ep- 
worth League interests in charge. They were eager to 
learn of the practical workings of the League in the 
United States, and we gave such facts and suggestions 
as we could. On the day following our arrival this 
writer was introduced to the Conference and made a 
brief address outlining the aims and methods of the Ep- 
worth League, and giving some of the benefits already 
apparent in this country. 

The growth of our glorious cause in Canada has been 
more than satisfactory. It has extended to every prov- 
ince, even to far-away Bermuda. At the present writing 
there are upward of one thousand Epworth Leagues and 
Epvvorth Leagues of Christian Endeavor. Onward, 
the sprightly and popular newspaper organ, was started 
two years ago, and already has a circulation of between 
35,000 and 40,000. Two great conventions have been 
held, one in March of 1892 and the other in the same 
month of 1893. We accepted an invitation to be pres- 
sent at the first gathering, held jointly at the Metropoli- 
tan and Queen Street churches in Toronto. It was a 
large and helpful convention. Crowds gathered at all 
the sessions. We have never stood before more recep- 
tive and inspiring congregations. Dr. Withrow is editor 
of Onward, and in connection with his duties as Sun- 
day school secretary is also major general of the League. 
A Methodist Young People's Association, embracing 
all young people's societies in the Church, has been 
formed, and is accomplishing a good work. Mr. R. W. 
Dillion, of Toronto, is the energetic secretary, and Mr. 
F. W. Daly, of London, the president. 



EP WORTH LEAGUE EXTENSION. 



115 



THE LEAGUE IN MANY LANDS. 

Several chapters have been organized in the Wesleyan 
churches of England, and are doing satisfactory work. 
Our friends yonder assure us that the movement will 
necessarily be of slow growth, but that the methods of 
the League are as well adapted to the churches there as 
here. The general adoption of our organization, or 
some modification of it, is only a question of a little 
time. In our European missions the cause is growing 
rapidly. In Norway and Sweden we have many flour- 
ishing chapters. In Italy our cause has taken firm hold. 
The struggling Bulgarian Mission is pushing the work. 
In the India Conferences encouraging advance has been 
made. Bishop Mallalieu says the League is a positive 
spiritual force in the churches there. In China we 
have several chapters, and in Japan a good start has 
recently been made. The work in Mexico, and in 
our South American missions has opened auspiciously. 
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, has also intro- 
duced the League into its missions in Japan and else- 
where, and they are cooperating with us in a forward 
movement, which will soon establish our cause firmly in 
every land where we have gone in the name of the Lord 
to plant the Methodist standard. A backward look fills 
one with wonder and gratitude. A look into the future 
makes one joyful because of the certainty of more glo- 
rious conquests. 



ii6 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



CHAPTER XI. 
SOME HAPPY RESULTS. 

The Epworth League has already shown practical 
results which abundantly justify its existence. To hun- 
dreds of communities it has brought precious benedic- 
tions. Pastors wonder how they managed to get along 
without it so long. The young people are at work. 
Many of them are being singularly blessed in their un- 
dertakings. It will be interesting to note in this closing 
chapter a few of the more striking results of the four 
years of League endeavor. 

No careful observer will question the fact that the 
League has promoted denominational loyalty. The 
name of our society has stimulated widespread inquiry 
into Methodist traditions and history. Our young 
people have learned about Epworth and the famous 
family which lived there, as well as the stirring events 
connected with the beginnings of Methodism. They 
have become more familiar, too, with the doctrines 
which John Wesley preached and Charles Wesley sang. 
Naturally enough, they have inquired concerning the 
polity of the great Church, the history of which in Eng- 
land and America has so greatly interested them. In- 
deed, our young people all over the world are studying 
the why of Methodism with a zeal never before known. 
This will attach them more closely to the Church of 
their fathers and render less successful the efforts of 



SOME HAPPY RESULTS. 



117 



that docile and lamblike individual who, with great 
amiability of manner and softness of speech, is ever 
going about upon the outskirts of our fold " seeking 
whom he may devour." We refer to the systematic 
proselyter. By this it is not meant that our young 
people are becoming bigoted. That is a state of mind 
which our host abhors. We love other churches none 
the less because we are ardently attached to our own. 

Through its Department of Mercy and Help the 
League has emphasized the practical side of the Chris- 
tian life. Good Samaritan duties have been made 
prominent. We have tried to show that true religion 
makes us self-forgetting and sends us out to minister 
to the needy and suffering. We have laid to heart the 
apostle's command, " Bear ye one another's burdens," 
and have sought opportunities to put sunshine into dark 
lives and to lift up the fallen. Thus have we been 
brought into harmony with " the law of Christ," and 
have known much of the joy of " going about doing 
good." Many people have received the impression that 
the Church is unsympathetic and cold — that it is in- 
tended for those who rank well in society and business. 
This is an error. The Church is not unsympathetic. 
She desires to reach the masses and do them good. The 
difficulty is that we have often had a poor way of show- 
ing it. But we are doing better. Brigades of sunny- 
faced, warm-hearted young people have determined 
that their Church shall be misunderstood no longer. 
They are going out into highways and lanes with words 
of mercy and deeds of helpfulness, and are compelling 
the multitude to crowd to the gospel feast. 

Then the League has helped to solve for many 



u8 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



churches the problem of social amusements. It is a 
delicate question — none more so. What pastor has 
not at some time been embarrassed by it? What 
church has not wondered what to do? There are 
reasons why the Methodist Episcopal Church has often 
had more unrest over the amusement question than 
some others. Our Discipline talks plainly upon the 
subject. It is specific. In reference to dancing, card- 
playing, and the like it says, " Thou shalt not." Now, 
the League indorses every prohibition of the Discipline^ 
and has never sought to apologize for the attitude of 
the Church. But at the same time it recognizes the fact 
that the young people need recreation. To meet this 
reasonable demand it has furnished diversion in the 
shape of useful occupation, and through its Department 
of Social W r ork has suggested numerous forms of social 
enjoyment that are free from evil influences. In this 
way many young people have been won from associa- 
tions and practices that were leading them to ruin. 

The League has also called attention to the sensational 
and worthless literature in circulation, and has empha- 
sized the danger of acquiring a taste for it. It has 
taken out of the hands of many boys and girls dissipat- 
ing books and put in their places those of a pure, solid, 
upbuilding character. Hundreds of reading circles 
have been formed. League libraries have been estab- 
lished. Reading rooms have been opened. A regular 
reading course has been provided. Entertaining lectures 
have been arranged. The systematic study of the Eng- 
lish Bible has been popularized. The habit of reading 
devotional literature has been revived. Hundreds of 
young people are experiencing an uplift in their mental 



SOME HAPPY RESULTS. 



life of which they had not previously even dreamed. 
Our college presidents say that hosts of young people 
have begun a college course because of the stimulus 
given them by the Epworth movement. Because of in- 
creasing intelligence concerning the great benevolences 
of the Church an era of systematic giving has already 
dawned which will bless the Church unspeakably for 
generations to come. To-morrow the heart of every 
bishop and secretary and pastor will be thrilled by the 
sight of overflowing church treasuries. 

Finally, the League has already proved a most effec- 
tive evangelistic force. We have sought to place our 
spiritual work at the very front. The doctrines of 
u repentance " and " the witness of the Spirit " have 
been everywhere emphasized. We have tried to show 
the young people that conversion is a wonderful expe- 
rience — that it means more than holding up a hand or 
signing a card in a revival service. " Holiness to the 
Lord " has been written upon our bright new banners. 
The privilege of the believer to be saved even to the 
utmost, and to be made perfect in love in this life, has 
become a cardinal point in our everyday creed. This 
organization was born in a classroom, amid prayers and 
tears and shouts. That was a good beginning, and much 
of the spirit of that hour lingers with us still. Our pas- 
tors gladly testify to the usefulness of their consecrated 
young people as soul-winners. In many of the revival 
services the young people have taken charge of the 
singing. In some places they have arrested attention 
by holding street services, and then have invited the 
curious crowd to accompany them to the church. In 
other places they have conducted a systematic house- 



120 



FOUR WONDERFUL YEARS. 



to-house visitation, and by their earnest appeals have 
aroused the community from religious indifference. In 
many cases our members have labored at the altar 
with seekers or conducted inquiry meetings, and with 
marked faithfulness stood by the pastor throughout the 
long revival campaign. The Church has watched the 
record with solicitude and joy. O, it has been won- 
derful, wonderful ! 

But do not dangers threaten us ? No doubt. We 
have been impressed with some of them while writing 
these pages. Chief among them is the tendency to rely 
upon mere organization. Approved machinery is good. 
He who makes use of inferior appliances when better 
ones are at hand is not wise. There is widespread 
satisfaction with Epworth plans. The test of four years 
has demonstrated their fitness. But we need more 
than good machinery. We might place on the track the 
mightiest locomotive ever built ; we might attach it to 
the longest train to which a locomotive was ever hitched ; 
we might burnish every brazen mounting until it 
glistened with brightness ; we might smooth every 
journal box and oil every bearing — we could do all 
this with the mightiest engine ever built, and yet it 
would be a great lifeless, useless thing. But let the fires 
once be kindled under the boiler, let the steam go 
coursing through its iron arteries — then you have a 
thing of life, a marvel of mighty power. The Epworth 
"wheel" is as perfect a piece of machinery as one 
could desire. But there is no power in the "wheel." 
We need more. The fire must fall from above. The 
energy of the divine Spirit must come to us. We 
must be permeated and filled with the Pentecostal 



SOME HAPPY RESULTS. 



121 



baptism. Then shall we have power. Possessing it we 
shall move forward harmoniously, victoriously, in out- 
great work. Our burdens will be light. Our most diffi- 
cult duties will be easy. Our toil will be no longer toil, 
but a gladsome privilege — a joyous play of the soul. 
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